A Comparative Assessment of Democracy and Good Governance Dividends in Egypt, Ghana, Mauritius, and Senegal

This paper provides a comprehensive assessment of a two-decade comparative study that evaluates the dividends of democracy and good governance in Egypt, Ghana, Mauritius, and Senegal, utilizing the lens of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) indicators. The study aims to analyse the progress and maturation of democratic systems and governance practices in these four African countries, shedding light on the key factors that have contributed to their development or hindered their advancement. The theoretical framework employed in this research draws from the concepts of democracy and good governance. Democracy encompasses political systems characterized by free and fair elections, respect for human rights, rule of law, transparency, and citizen participation. Good governance emphasizes effective institutions, accountability, transparency, responsiveness, and inclusiveness. These frameworks provide the basis for evaluating the performance of Egypt, Ghana, Mauritius, and Senegal. The study utilizes the APRM indicators as a tool for comparative analysis. The APRM framework, developed by the African Union, assesses Member states’ political, economic, corporate, and socio-economic governance. By employing this framework, the research evaluates the four countries’ adherence to democratic principles, the effectiveness of governance structures, and the impact on development outcomes. The findings of the study contribute to a deeper understanding of the progress made by Egypt, Ghana, Mauritius, and Senegal in the realm of democracy and good governance over the past two decades. The study identifies commonalities and differences in the four countries’ experiences, highlighting the success stories and challenges faced in each context. This research has implications for policymaking and development strategies in Africa. By identifying the factors that have facilitated or hindered the dividends of democracy and good governance, policymakers can formulate targeted interventions to strengthen democratic institutions, enhance governance practices, and foster sustainable development.