Second edition of the roundtable on democracy, media and socialisation in Africa

The African Union (AU) in partnership with International IDEA project Strengthening pan-African capacities for electoral observation and assistance (SPEC) will convene the second edition of the Roundtable on Democracy, Media and Socialisation in Africa in Addis Ababa on 26–27 October 2026. The Roundtable brings together representatives of media organisations, academia, civil society, youth and women’s networks, and independent media experts, to advance practical approaches to strengthening democratic resilience across the continent, with specific focus on the role of the media.

Building on the outcomes of the inaugural Roundtable held in Nairobi, Kenya, on 3–4 May 2025, this edition will focus on moving from earlier recommendations into concrete action. With many African countries entering major electoral cycles in 2026 and 2027, participants will assess progress, examine emerging challenges, including declining public trust, democratic backsliding, disinformation, shrinking civic space, digital inequality and the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI), and agree on priorities for the year ahead. 

This regional thematic convening is supported through the EU-funded SPEC project.

Thematic focus

• AI, digital platforms and evolving information ecosystems, and their impact on democratic participation and public trust.
• Media integrity, independent journalism, media literacy and access to credible public-interest information.
• Inclusive participation of women, young people, persons with disabilities and marginalised communities.
• Democratic socialisation in electoral processes, civic and voter education, and governance initiatives.
• Regional cooperation to translate dialogue into action.

Objectives

• Review progress since the 2025 Roundtable and identify emerging challenges.
• Promote peer learning on strengthening democratic resilience and inclusive participation.
• Develop an Addis Ababa Action Roadmap 2026–2027 setting out priority initiatives, responsibilities, timelines and milestones.
• Strengthen partnerships and establish mechanisms to monitor progress ahead of the 2027 continental dialogue.

Expected outputs

Through expert discussions, case studies and collaborative action planning, the roundtable is expected to produce an inclusion framework for democratic socialisation, an electoral and governance engagement strategy, a partnership and collaboration mechanism, a monitoring matrix, and an Addis Ababa Communiqué setting out agreed recommendations and strategic priorities.

Together, these outcomes will advance African-led responses to evolving democratic challenges and contribute to more informed, participatory and resilient societies.

Resource: For further information please read/download the policy brief from the first roundtable:https://doi.org/10.31752/78492