…Africa is not adrift. She is rising bold, self-defined, and ready to lead.
By Maryam Aminu
With the world watching and history listening, organisers of the International Conference on Africa’s Democracy (ICAD) 2025 have issued a compelling call for a new chapter in the continent’s democratic evolution.
At a pre-conference press briefing held at Community Park, Bassan Plaza, Abuja, organisers declared that ICAD is more than an event it is a continental movement to reclaim governance and development on African terms.
The atmosphere brimmed with anticipation and pride as details were unveiled for the historic gathering scheduled to hold from Tuesday, July 22 to Wednesday, July 23, at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja.
“This is more than a gathering. It is a renaissance a bold affirmation that Africa’s future will be authored by Africans,” the organisers stated.
According to Chris Nyama, Team Lead of the ICAD 2025 Conference, the event is designed as a pan-African platform convening thought leaders, policymakers, social innovators, youth, and civil society actors to ask critical questions, share homegrown ideas, and shape governance systems rooted in the continent’s diverse realities.
This year’s theme, “Afro-Democracy: Building Governance Systems that Work in Africa for Africans,” is both a challenge and a promise.
“We are not rejecting global ideas,” Nyama clarified. “We are affirming that solutions forged by African hands, for African contexts, are essential not only for our continent, but for global progress.”
The calibre of confirmed speakers underscores the weight and vision of ICAD 2025. Headliners include:
Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, Former Prime Minister of Kenya
H.E. Kashim Shettima, Vice President of Nigeria
Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker, House of Representatives, Nigeria
H.E. Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao, Former AU Ambassador to the U.S.
Prof. PLO Lumumba, Legal luminary and renowned Pan-Africanist (Keynote Address)
Nyama further disclosed that the speakers will be joined by senior officials from the African Union, ECOWAS, United Nations, ministers, lawmakers, private sector leaders, and grassroots actors positioning ICAD 2025 as a continental brain trust for democracy and sustainable development.
The conference will explore the critical questions confronting Africa’s governance future in an age of digital disruption, youth-driven demographics, and rising global uncertainty:
What does democracy look like when led by Africa’s youth?
How do we build trusted institutions and credible elections beyond rhetoric?
How do we reclaim economic sovereignty and fund our own futures?
Participants will explore solutions across themes such as indigenous finance models, public-private capital mobilisation, diaspora engagement, and anti-corruption frameworks to curb illicit financial flows.
“Africa is not a problem to be solved,” Nyama declared. “She is a solution waiting to be unleashed.”
He urged members of the press to tell the full story of ICAD with clarity, courage, and context.
“The battle for democracy is also the battle for narrative. Chronicle not only what happens but why it matters. Frame Africa’s democratic evolution with nuance, boldness, and hope.”
More than a two-day summit, ICAD 2025 aims to launch a permanent pan-African platform for dialogue, accountability, and innovation. Its long-term goals include:
Forging transnational partnerships for local impact and regional integration
Equipping delegates to return as agents of transformation, not just spectators
Nyama concluded by reminding all stakeholders that Africa’s future will not be scripted in foreign capitals but in its cities, villages, and people.
“This is our hour of courage. We gather not just to talk, but to build to design systems rooted in tradition, powered by innovation, and driven by unity.”
As the countdown to ICAD 2025 begins, one message resounds clearly: Africa is no longer waiting for change she is leading it.
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