Ufahamu: A Journal of African Studies

Abstract This article is focused on major issues surrounding the dynamic development of contemporary democracy in Africa. In particular, it reviews the post Cold-War era that has been characterized by a worldwide spread of liberal democracy models, and also scrutinizes the peculiarities of African nations as they adjust to the demanding tenets of democracy. Given the colonial legacy bedeviling Africa, the paper evaluates the impact of change resulting from the ‘wind’ of democracy that has swept the continent since 1989. It concludes that democracy has its merits but that it should be adopted and adapted to Africans’ value systems to serve as a galvanizing instrument of development. It acknowledges that the process of democratization will evolve gradually overtime and its institutionalization will require a strong political will from all stakeholders within and outside the continent.