UNDP has a long-standing engagement in supporting electoral processes across Africa, working with Election Management Bodies (EMBs), national institutions, the African Union (AU), Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and other electoral stakeholders to strengthen credible, inclusive and resilient elections. Between 2015 and 2025, UNDP supported electoral capacity development in approximately 80 countries globally, with Africa representing the largest share of its electoral assistance expenditure, reflecting the scale and diversity of electoral needs across the continent.

Africa’s electoral landscape is evolving rapidly, with elections taking place in increasingly complex environments shaped by political and institutional transitions, insecurity, declining public trust, digital transformation and information integrity challenges. At the same time, women, youth and persons with disabilities continue to face barriers to meaningful political participation. These trends highlight the need for stronger regional cooperation, knowledge exchange and innovative approaches that complement country-level electoral assistance.

About the Africa Elections Fund

The Africa Elections Fund (AEF) was established in 2023 by UNDP’s Regional Service Centre for Africa (RSCA), with support from the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO), to strengthen democratic governance and electoral integrity across Africa through regional public goods, technical assistance and strategic partnerships.

The Fund complements UNDP country programmes by generating evidence, facilitating peer learning, promoting South-South cooperation, and supporting the development of regional frameworks, tools and communities of practice that strengthen the capacities of Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) and continental institutions.

The AEF focuses on strengthening the capacities of EMBs and regional institutions, supporting electoral conflict prevention and peaceful democratic transitions, advancing inclusive electoral participation, and promoting regional knowledge exchange and innovation. Through partnerships with the African Union, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), EMB networks and other stakeholders, the Fund contributes to African-led solutions for resilient electoral governance, in line with Agenda 2063, SDG 16 and SDG 5.