Democracy Must Deliver Again: The Progressive Alliance at the Gaborone Lab

The Progressive Alliance joined political leaders, trade unions, youth, and civil society representatives from across Africa at the 1st Gaborone Democracy Lab, held from 27–29 October 2025 in Botswana, organized by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES Africa) in partnership with Afrobarometer.

Under the theme “Democratic Institutions Must Deliver Again — Exploring a New Link Between Democracy and Social Justice,” the Lab brought together participants from over 16 countries in the African continent to exchange perspectives and co-create strategies to make democracy deliver through inclusion, respect, and justice.

Opening the Lab, H.E. Ndaba Gaolathe, Vice President of the Republic of Botswana and Party Leader of Alliance of Progressives, reminded participants that “democracy must be more than a ritual — it must be a relationship built on trust. Our people are not losing faith in democracy — they are losing faith in its performance.” He called for a new social contract between citizens and institutions — one that makes democracy deliver dignity and opportunity once again. 

For the Progressive Alliance, the Gaborone Lab was a space to learn and engage with African progressives advancing community-centered and decolonial visions of governance. It underscored a shared determination to rebuild democracy from the ground up — founded on trust, participation, and the shared pursuit of justice and equality.

💬 Read more reflections from the Gaborone Democracy Lab via FES Botswana: https://botswana.fes.de/e/democratic-institutions-can-deliver-again.html

📸 Photos: FES Botswana