The Governance Model Debate: Developmental Authoritarianism vs. Democracy

Saturday, 15th March 2025

By Inafrika Reporter

A heated debate in African policy circles pits two models: the “developmental authoritarian” approach vs. liberal democracy. Proponents of the former point to Rwanda’s rapid progress under a tightly controlled political environment, or to Ethiopia’s economic boom years under the late Meles Zenawi with limited political freedom, as evidence that a strong state can deliver development better than messy democracy. They also cite China’s example as an external validation.

On the flip side, democracy advocates argue that accountability and freedom are not luxuries; they are essential for sustainable development – look at Ghana or Mauritius, whose steady growth and stability coincide with democratic institutions. They caution that authoritarian gains can be illusory or unsustainable: Ethiopia’s growth was followed by turmoil when repressed tensions exploded; Rwanda’s success, while real in many aspects, comes with questions about human rights and what happens when the current leadership eventually exits. The choice isn’t binary.

Africa is diverse, and governance models often hybrid. Countries like Senegal have long-standing democratic traditions and reasonably good development indices, suggesting a middle path of democratic governance that emphasizes efficiency and results. There’s also the matter of resilience: democratic systems, though slow, allow corrective mechanisms (elections, protests, judicial review) whereas authoritarian ones can shatter if the leadership makes big mistakes (as seen in the Arab Spring uprisings).

Africans increasingly demand both economic growth and voice in how they’re governed – the youthful populations are savvy, connected, and less patient with oppression. In the long run, a governance model that respects citizens and harnesses their participation will likely outperform one that tries to compel them. The developmental state idea has merits (strategic vision, discipline, anti-corruption), but those can and should be implemented in democracies. After all, true development is as much about dignity and rights as it is about income.