GOVERNMENTS AND ECONOMIES OF AFRICA

Governments…

Republic of Kenya- Kenya gained its independence from British in 1963

under the leadership of Jomo Kenyatta. They currently had a democratic republic with an

elected president and a one house (unicameral) law making body.

Republic of South Africa- Up until 1994 South Africa had an Oligarchy form

of government, in which the white leaders of the Apartheid controlled

Today, South Africa has a democratic government made up of two different houses the National Assembly (elected by the citizens), and the National Council of Provinces (elected by the provincial legislature of every province).

Government of Kenya

• Republic • Executive branch is the strongest and president

serves a 5 year term• President is the head of state and head of

government. • Legislative : parliament, is a unicameral (one)

body called the National Assembly, or Bunge. (224 members and 12 are appointed by president)

Rights of Citizens: Suffrage 18 years of age; universal Right to participate in political process

Government of South Africa

• Constitution ratified in 1996; splits power between the executive and legislative and judicial branches

• Constitution also contains a Bill of Rights for South Africans.

• Executive : President • President elected to a five year term• President is the head of government and head of state. • Leader of the party with the most seats in National

Assembly• Legislative: bicameral (two bodies) parliament.• 1st house called the National Assembly(400

members); 2nd house National Council of Provinces (90 officials appointed by provincial legislature).

Governments…

Unlike the Republics of Kenya and South Africa, many countries have fallen under the leadership of dictators since their independence. For example…

Sudan- Although Sudan is called the Republic of

Sudan, it is run by a military dictatorship.President is Chief of state and Head of

government

Governments…

Sudan- Government Type: Government of National Unity (GNU) - the National

Congress Party (NCP) and Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) formed a power-sharing government under the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA)

the NCP, which came to power by military coup in 1989, is the majority partner; the agreement stipulates national elections in 2009

Egypt- Has a Constitutional Democracy

Country Kenya South Africa SudanType of Government Republic, with one-house

legislature called the National Assembly

Republic, with a two-house National Assembly

A government of national unity was formed with a

National Legislature. However, in reality, it is a

one party dictatorship

Head of State President is elected by the people

President is elected by the National Assembly

President and Head of State lead the National Congress

PartyWho Can Vote All citizens 18 years of age or

olderAll citizens 18 years of age or older All citizens 17 years of age or

olderFreedoms for Citizens Freedoms are written into the

constitution but government is dominated by the president.

There have been improvements in citizen rights in recent years

Personal freedoms are numerous. Apartheid has ended. Literacy rates

are high

Citizens of Sudan have few real constitutional freedoms unless they are associated with the National Congress

Party. Most government positions are appointed

Year of Independence Kenya became independent from Great Britain in 1963

South Africa became independent from Great Britain in 1910. The

racially segregated government was ended in 1994, when majority rule

was established

Sudan became independent from Great Britain in 1956

African Government Chart

Problems with governments… Although many countries in Africa are guided

by a democratic form of government, there is still corruption and instability. Kenya, for example, has a democracy- but the

citizens have very little say. Much of the decision making process is dominated by the president and his party.

Like Kenya, South Africa’s government is still plagued with problems. Even with the end of the Apartheid much of South Africa’s wealth does not reach the black population causing poverty among half the population.

Problems with government..

Other problems include civil wars that have broken out in countries like Sudan and Nigeria- causing government instability.

Sometimes government policies hold certain citizens back from succeeding. Example: Sudan- Women have

limited rights and are not given proper education.

Economies…

Nigeria- While Nigeria should be one of the wealthiest

countries in Africa due to its resources, it is not. Why?

Nigeria is torn apart by civil war, corrupt government, and an increase in population.

Nigeria has a large supply of oil- that has brought the country money, but also corruption. Most of the money the country makes off of oil goes

to the government- leaving the rest of the population in poverty.

Economies….

South Africa- South Africa is the most developed country in Africa

They have a mixed economy that leans heavily on the market side--currency is called the Rand.

South Africa, like the U.S. relies heavily on Service Industry Service Industries- Banking, tourism, entertainment, retail,

etc. Problems- South Africa’s economy is still fighting the

legacy of the Apartheid- 30% of the population is unemployed- the majority of those people are black. Also crime has made it harder to attract foreign

investment even with their abundant natural resources. South Africa also has the highest rate of HIV/AIDS in

Africa- causing the country to spend more money on health car than anything else

Economies…

Egypt- Egypt’s has a mixed economy, but

the state or public owned businesses account for nearly 70% of Egypt's goods or services- making it more of a command econ.

Their economy on tourism, natural resources (oil), and agricultural goods (cotton, wheat).

What is holding African countries back… What is holding African countries

back from becoming a developed nation? Famine Disease Low Literacy Rates Political instability since independence

Improving Economies…

What are ways that countries in Africa can improve their economies? Investment in

Human Capital (workers) Through education Better benefits

Investment in Capital goods New technology New machinery

Southern African Development Community (SADC) 9 South African

countries came together in 1980 to help financial growth

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Created in 1975 to

raise the standard of living and stability in West African countries