For decades, citizen election observers have helped keep elections across Southern Africa—and the wider continent—transparent, credible, and accountable. Yet the context in which they operate is becoming increasingly complex. Shrinking civic space, political polarisation, funding pressures, and rapidly evolving technologies are redefining both elections and the way they are observed.

In response, the Electoral Support Network of Southern Africa (ESN-SA), as part of the AHEAD Africa project, is convening the third edition of the South Africa Election Academy from 13–14 April in Johannesburg. The event will bring together African election observation networks and partners to reflect on emerging challenges, share lessons, and explore how observer organisations can adapt to safeguard electoral integrity in a rapidly evolving political landscape.