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IFES has supported democracy's emergence and consolidation throughout sub-Saharan Africa since 1989. From its start conducting a groundbreaking series of pre-election technical assessments, IFES' Africa program portfolio today features activities in elections, rule of law, civil society and governance.

Thirty-one of 43 sub-Saharan African nations have received assistance from IFES. IFES’ current sub-Saharan programs focus on third and fourth-generation elections, sustainable professional election administration, improved governance, post-conflict transition, the rule of law, political finance and electoral access for citizens with disabilities. Over the course of the 1990s, IFES witnessed the growth of a cadre of experienced local institutions, organizations and individuals, many of whom now hold an expanding partnership role in future IFES programs.

Current Projects

Africa - Regional Projects

African Union
IFES is working closely with the newly established Democracy and Electoral Assistance Unit (DEAU) within the AU to effectively support national electoral commissions across the continent
African Union Home

Angola
In April 2005, a new electoral law was passed establishing an electoral commission whose first task will be to oversee voter registration. Civil society organizations have begun to organize and participate in the political process, calling for transparency and participation in elections and governance.
Angola Home

Burundi
Following successful transition elections in 2005, Burundi’s political situation remains volatile, occasionally descending into violence and political stalemate over the past few years. Tensions remain high within and among political parties, in spite of a power-sharing agreement that established a consensus government in November 2007. 
Burundi Home

Guinea
Participants in an IFES civic education project at a school for the deaf. Located in West Africa, Guinea has a population of approximately 8 million people, 51% of whom are women and 45% under the age of 30. Once a French colony, it was the first African country to gain independen…
Guinea Home

Liberia
IFES has worked in Liberia since 2001, when it conducted a pre-election assessment. Since that time, IFES has worked with election officials to improve their capacity to hold free and fair elections and to monitor political expenditures during the elections process.
Liberia Home

Malawi
In preparation for Malawi's 2009 elections, IFES is assisting the Malawi Election Commission (MEC) in its civic and voter education efforts.
Malawi Home

Nigeria
IFES and its partners are supporting Nigerian institutions in deepening the roots of democracy in this important West African country.
Nigeria Home

To learn more about our experts from this region, visit here.

For more information, please contact us at africa.programs@ifes.org.

Applications and resumes are not accepted at this address.

News and Materials
January 28, 2010
IFES News in Brief: IFES Regional Director Comments on Guinea's New Prime Minister
January 27, 2010
IFES.org Feature: The Kenya Case and the Role of the ICC in Election Violence
December 18, 2009
IFES.org Feature: Forgoing Democracy is Forgoing Human Rights
December 18, 2009
IFES.org Feature: Elections Training Amidst Angolan Waterfalls
December 18, 2009
Photo Gallery: Colloquium on African Elections: Best Practices and Cross-Sectoral Collaboration
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Africa Photo Galleries