10 African countries with the least preference for democracy in 2024

Many Africans are increasingly dissatisfied with how their democracies are functioning. While there are numerous reasons for this discontent, recent Afrobarometer surveys indicate that a significant majority attribute it to rising corruption in their countries.

The report suggests that as people witness increasing corruption within key governing institutions, their dissatisfaction with democracy grows. On a continent where coups have undermined democratic progress, this presents a troubling outlook.

In an earlier report, Business Insider Africa revealed that Mali and Burkina Faso, which are currently under military rule following recent coups, show much lower military rejection rates. Only 18% of Malians and 25% of Burkinabè oppose this form of government. Similarly, Niger (44%) and Tunisia (42%), which have also faced recent coups or major democratic challenges, reflect a minority view against military rule.

As of 2023, support for democracy varies widely, from 87% in Zambia to just 39% in Mali. In five countries—Mali, South Africa (43%), Angola (47%), Mozambique (49%), and Lesotho (49%)—preference for democracy now falls short of a majority opinion.

Preference for democracy has greatly declined by 29 percentage points in South Africa, 23 points in Mali, 18 points in both Malawi and Tunisia and 17 points in Burkina Faso. In 19 of the 30 countries surveyed, there were decreases of 4 points or more.

Only four countries showed notable increases, led by Eswatini (+10 points) and Sierra Leone (+8). While many of these nations, particularly South Africa, remain democratic and free, decreasing public support for democracy, if not addressed, could lead to potential problems in the future.