At a time when Africa faces increasing threats to its democratic gains and access to civic education remains inadequate, the consolidation of democracy, good governance, and electoral processes has become a pressing issue for the future of the continent.
In this context, AfricTivistes has developed a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on Democracy, Elections, and Governance (#MOOCDEG), available in both English and French. This bilingual distance-learning platform offers rich educational and pedagogical content, aiming to both bridge gaps in civic education and improve access to institutional knowledge. Open and accessible to all, the platform provides a dynamic space for learning and reflection on civic engagement, participatory democracy, electoral processes, access to information, and good governance. Launched in 2021, the courses—delivered by experts from across the continent—are grounded in the principles of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance (ACDEG) of the African Union.
The programme includes the following five courses:
- Elections and Electoral Cycles
- Democracy, Human Rights, and Gender
- Civic Space and Citizen Participation
- Peace and Security in Africa
- Role of the African Union and its Specialised Organs
To deliver the courses and produce educational content, AfricTivistes has called upon the expertise of university professors, researchers, lawyers, professionals, and civil society actors. These individuals possess several years of experience in their respective fields.
With over 2000 registered learners, the platform’s data reveals a notable interest in these courses among a diverse audience, including: Young people, students, engaged civil society actors, members of citizen movements, web activists, bloggers, information professionals and political actors.
In two years, the MOOC currently offers five courses, thirty modules, and numerous freely accessible educational resources on civic engagement, the electoral process, participatory democracy, access to information, the African Union, and the role of its specialised organs.
The success of the MOOC is reflected in the following figures:
- Over 2000 registered learners
- More than 100 certificates awarded
- 5 courses and 30 modules
- Over 30 educational resources
- 6 experts involved
- 6 blog articles on democracy, political participation, peace, and security.
The first phase of this programme was executed in support of the Charter Africa project. The continuation of this learning framework will take place within the activities AHEAD Africa to strengthen access to educational resources on electoral processes and leadership in Africa.
