In 2024, several countries in the Southern African region – including Mauritius, Namibia, Botswana Mozambique and South Africa – held general elections that resulted in significant shifts in governance structures, both in terms of political party dynamics and presidential leadership. These power shifts are expected to have far-reaching implications, influencing the composition of the new ruling elites in Southern Africa and shaping domestic and foreign policies. This is particularly relevant given the shared characteristics among counties of this region. The wave of political change is likely to extend further, with general elections scheduled in 2025 in Malawi and Seychelles. Additionally, these shifts may influence governance trends across other African nations. While these changes present opportunities for countries in the Southern African region to make some progress on key policy issues, structural economic and political challenges persist. The growing competition among major global powers over mining resources and development corridors could further exacerbate these challenges.
Shifts in Governance Structure in Southern African Countries and their Internal and External Consequences (Emirates Policy Center)
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