Katiba Institute is participating in the Data for Governance Alliance (D4GA) Regional Convening taking place in Accra, Ghana, from 20 to 24 April 2026. The convening builds on previous regional meetings held in Nairobi, Accra, and Cape Town, and brings together civil society leaders, African Union governance bodies, researchers, and key partners. It provides a platform to reflect on the impact of data-driven advocacy and interventions on governance, democracy, and human rights across Africa.

The meeting also serves as an opportunity to take stock of the progress, achievements, and overall impact of the D4GA project, while assessing challenges that may have hindered effective implementation and the realization of its objectives.

Discussions are specifically focused on advocacy efforts and communication strategies across the continent, how data-driven approaches have enhanced the effectiveness and impact of advocacy, and the promotion of partnerships between civil society organizations (CSOs) and African Union organs. On the first day of the convening, our Programmes Manager, Patriciah Joseph, participated in a reflection session titled “Progress Made on Data Analysis and Usage,” which explored how data has influenced KI’s and other CSOs’ work. Patriciah highlighted the role data has played in countering anti-democracy narratives and promoting democracy-affirming messaging. This was particularly evident in KI’s work on promoting respect for presidential term limits in Africa and challenging attempts to extend them through constitutional amendments.

Afrobarometer surveys have consistently shown that a majority of Kenyans support democracy and endorse presidential term limits—a trend observed for over a decade. This evidence directly counters arguments often advanced by political actors to justify extending term limits.

In this regard, data has helped amplify citizens’ voices and shape public opinion. This was demonstrated in Kenya when 99% of Kenyans rejected the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which sought, among other changes, to extend the terms of the president and other elected officials from five to seven years.

Patriciah further noted that data provides an accurate reflection of citizens’ views, strengthening KI’s messaging in community engagement and civic education on elections and other thematic areas. This has helped ensure that citizen engagement with public officials aligns more closely with public priorities rather than elite-driven interests.

She also observed that KI’s work on access to information and media freedom has benefited from the use of data to counter misinformation and support advocacy efforts aimed at strengthening media freedom and compliance with access to information laws. In addition, data continues to support KI’s rule of law monitoring and reporting, particularly through Afrobarometer’s publicly accessible datasets, surveys, policy briefs, democracy scorecards, and other publications.

The ongoing reflections at the convening will also examine the current state of democracy and human rights in Africa, identify emerging challenges, and explore pathways for strengthening democratic institutions. Participants are also sharing success stories and identifying priorities for future programming.

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