Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 12 February 2026 — On the margins of the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), convened foreign affairs and international cooperation ministers, senior AU and government officials and partners, alongside regional institutions, civil society and development partners for a high-level ministerial forum on Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD) at the Committee of Intelligence and Security Service of Africa (CISSA), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Held under the theme “Making Democracy Deliver: Restoring public trust and strengthening institutional resilience through regional partnerships in Africa,” the forum advanced implementation momentum for the Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD) (2025–2030), launched by the Government of Nigeria (through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and UNDP as a platform to strengthen democratic institutions, promote information integrity, improve electoral credibility, and deepen citizen trust and participation through regional cooperation.

In his keynote address, H.E. Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar (OON), Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, underscored that while democratic ideals remain widely affirmed, democratic practice is increasingly tested by governance deficits, unmet socio-economic expectations, and weakened institutional performance. He urged a shift from defending democracy as a concept to demonstrating democracy as a lived reality.

“We meet at a moment when democracy in Africa, though widely affirmed in principle, is increasingly tested in practice. While citizens remain committed to democratic ideals, public confidence in democratic institutions has been weakened by governance deficits, unmet socio-economic expectations, and declining institutional performance. Democracy on the continent, therefore, must do more than survive; it must command trust through delivery.”

Minister Tuggar further outlined priority areas for action, including strengthening credible institutions, aligning democratic governance with tangible socio-economic outcomes, and widening inclusion, particularly for youth and women. He noted that public trust erodes when democracy is experienced only episodically at elections rather than consistently through services, accountability, and opportunity.

Also speaking during the opening ceremony, H.E. Ahunna Eziakonwa, UN Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Africa, emphasized that democracy cannot be sustained by process alone; it must be sustained by results that people can feel.

“The RPD is grounded in a simple yet powerful premise: democracy must deliver tangible benefits for the people. Democratic governance must translate into improved security, sustainable development, accessible essential services, meaningful opportunities for young people, and renewed hope for a better future.”

In remarks delivered during the forum, H.E. Ronald Ozzy Lamola, Honourable Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, reinforced the need for democratic systems that deliver justice and opportunity, anchored in strong institutions and inclusive participation, with Africa’s young people driving transformation.

“Africa’s future depends on resilient institutions that deliver justice and opportunity, with young people at the centre of innovation and transformation. Participatory democracy is the foundation of sustainable peace and shared prosperity.”

Throughout the panel discussion, leaders converged on practical pathways for restoring trust and strengthening democratic resilience: responsive and citizen-centred governance; stronger accountability and anti-corruption systems; public finance integrity and oversight; meaningful participation of women and youth; peer learning and reform exchange across countries; and a renewed focus on information integrity in a rapidly evolving digital environment.

In closing, participants emphasized the need to translate political alignment into implementation, including peer learning, policy support, and partnerships that accelerate RPD delivery priorities for 2026 and beyond, while reinforcing African leadership, national ownership, and regional coordination.

Practical pathways and next steps

Across the high-level exchange, leaders highlighted practical pathways to restore public trust and strengthen institutional resilience, including:

• Citizen-centred governance and service delivery
• Accountability and public finance integrity
• Participation and inclusion, including youth and women’s leadership and civic engagement
• Peer learning and reform exchange to strengthen electoral credibility and institutional performance
• Information integrity to counter mis- and disinformation in the digital age

Participants emphasized that the RPD’s value will ultimately be measured by implementation, translating political commitment into sustained reforms, strengthened institutions, and visible improvements in citizens’ lives, with delivery priorities to be advanced in 2026 and beyond through partnerships with Member States, regional bodies, civil society, and development partners.

For media enquiries and requests for interviews, please contact:

• Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Spokesperson of the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs | ebienfa.kimiebi@foreignaffairs.gov.ng | +234 806 382 2449
• Christabel Chanda–Ginsberg, Public Engagement, Outreach and Partnerships Lead, UNDP Nigeria | christabel.chanda-ginsberg@undp.org | +234 904 935 4441
• Ugochukwu Kingsley Ahuchaogu, Regional Communications and External Engagement Specialist, UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa | ugochukwu.kingsley@undp.org | +251 98 065 4949

Note to Editors

About the Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD)

The Regional Partnership for Democracy (2025–2030) is a flagship initiative launched by the Government of Nigeria and UNDP to strengthen democratic governance and institutional resilience.

The RPD promotes African-led, context-specific solutions to the challenges of governance, accountability, and inclusion. By bringing together governments, parliaments, civil society, academia, media, and development partners, the RPD aims to foster collective learning, civic participation, and shared accountability across the region. Anchored in the Democracy pillar of Nigeria’s 4D Foreign Policy Strategy, the RPD represents a regional commitment to rebuild trust, enhance electoral integrity, and promote transparent, participatory governance systems that reflect Africa’s enduring values of dialogue, consensus, and community.

About the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs serves as the principal institution responsible for formulating and implementing the foreign policy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Guided by a vision of diplomacy that is principled, proactive, and people-centred, the Ministry, under the leadership of Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar (OON), advances Nigeria’s national interests and projects its democratic values globally.

Aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and the Democracy pillar of Nigeria’s 4D Foreign Policy Strategy, the Ministry promotes governance anchored in transparency, the rule of law, and civic participation. It also leads Nigeria’s engagement in regional and global initiatives that foster peace, economic growth, digital innovation, migration management, and sustainable development. Through its diplomatic missions worldwide, the Ministry continues to champion Nigeria’s role as a voice for Africa in shaping a more equitable and rules-based international order.

Learn more at https://foreignaffairs.gov.ng

About UNDP

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet. 

Learn more at https://www.undp.org/africa