Africans across 38 countries broadly support their rights to associate freely and for the media to operate without censorship, yet their actual experiences of these freedoms are increasingly constrained by governments, according to the latest Afrobarometer Pan-Africa Profile released in 2024/2025. While many citizens affirm their right to join organizations and vote without pressure, only 13 countries surveyed show majorities who feel entirely free to express their thoughts, indicating a concerning decline in perceived civic liberties over the past decade.
Context: The Demand for Civic Space
Afrobarometer, a pan-African research network, has been tracking citizen perceptions of democracy, governance, and quality of life since 1999. The recent report, based on 50,961 face-to-face interviews across 38 African nations, highlights a persistent demand for fundamental civic freedoms. These include the freedom of association, the ability to vote without coercion, and the crucial role of an independent media in holding governments accountable.
The survey aimed to gauge how citizens’ lived experiences align with their stated support for these democratic principles. It found a significant gap between the ideal of free expression and association and the reality faced by many on the continent.
Key Findings: A Declining Supply of Freedoms
The survey reveals that, on average, 64% of Africans affirm the right to join any organization of their choice. Furthermore, strong majorities support media freedom, with 65% endorsing the media’s right to publish without government control, and 72% believing the media should investigate and report on government mistakes and corruption.
However, when it comes to the personal experience of free speech, the picture becomes more complex. Two-thirds of citizens (65%) feel
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