In Summary
- Lesotho has formed coalition governments in almost every election since 2002, making shared power the norm.
- In Mauritius, broad coalitions like Alliance Lepep (MSM, Mouvement Libérateur, Plateforme Militante) have driven governance for decades.
- South Africa’s 2024 GNU includes 10 parties that together secured over 70 percent of the vote.
- These coalitions matter because they promote stability, inclusiveness, and effective governance.
Deep Dive!!
Lagos, Nigeria, Thursday, November 20 – A coalition government is a political system in which two or more parties cooperate to form a majority in a legislature, sharing executive power, policy-making responsibilities, and ministerial roles. Unlike single-party governments, coalitions require negotiation, compromise, and coordinated governance to balance the interests of multiple political actors.
In Africa, these arrangements help prevent dominance by a single party, promote regional and demographic representation, and allow diverse political voices to influence decision-making. The following sections outline each country’s current coalition structure and its impact on governance.
Coalition systems in Africa vary in structure and scope. Some countries, such as Lesotho and Mauritius, operate almost entirely through coalitions, with multiple parties consistently holding cabinet and legislative positions.
In others, including Kenya and Morocco, coalitions emerge around electoral cycles to consolidate parliamentary majorities, with party collaboration varying in depth and stability. The way coalitions function is shaped by electoral rules, constitutional frameworks, and historical political practices.
This ranking identifies the top 10 African countries with coalition governments by considering both strength, longevity, stability, institutional support, and recent impact. Nations where coalition governance is thorough, long-standing, and central to administration are ranked first. Others are ranked by the size, stability, and effectiveness of their coalition arrangements.
The methodology accounts for the number of parties involved, the length of coalition governance, institutional support, and the ability of coalitions to deliver stable, functional governments.
This list highlights where shared political power has been most effectively managed, reflecting broader trends in governance, inclusivity, and political resilience across the continent.
10. Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Bissau has relied on coalition governments for much of the last two decades, primarily involving the African Independence Party of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) and the Party for Social Renewal (PRS). Parliamentary elections often result in no single party holding a majority, making coalitions essential for forming a functioning government.
The country has seen over five coalition administrations since 2005, highlighting both the necessity and fragility of shared governance. Cabinet positions are frequently divided between the major parties, with smaller parties occasionally included to secure parliamentary approval.
Politically, PAIGC dominates the historical narrative, having led Guinea-Bissau since independence in 1974, while PRS has consistently acted as a balancing partner. Insider observers note that coalition negotiations are highly influenced by regional allegiances, military involvement in politics, and the influence of former leaders who maintain informal sway over party decisions.
These dynamics make coalition formation a complex exercise of negotiation, compromise, and often temporary alliances, reflecting the country’s fragmented political landscape and the challenges of sustaining continuity in governance.
In practice, coalition governments in Guinea-Bissau are fragile but functional. Policy-making often requires careful negotiation, with ministries allocated to secure loyalty and maintain balance between PAIGC and PRS interests. Recent coalition successes include agreements on fiscal reforms and infrastructure projects, which show functional collaboration despite political tensions.
Political analysts observe that coalition governments have been key to preventing outright dominance by any one party and providing a platform for smaller parties to influence national priorities. However, coalitions also face risks of instability, including sudden dissolutions, cabinet reshuffles, and tensions over budget allocations and regional appointments. Despite these challenges, coalitions have remained the only practical mechanism to keep the state operational.
Efforts to strengthen coalition governance have increased in recent years. The National Electoral Commission has implemented reforms to improve transparency in parliamentary elections, while international partners such as ECOWAS have mediated coalition agreements to prevent abrupt government collapses.
Legal frameworks now encourage formalised coalition agreements, and capacity-building initiatives aim to professionalise ministries and enhance administrative continuity. While Guinea-Bissau still faces political fragility, these measures have gradually made coalition governments more predictable, ensuring that shared power translates into functional governance and policy continuity.
9. South Sudan
South Sudan operates under a unique and mandatory coalition structure known as the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU). Formed to end a debilitating civil war, this arrangement brings together the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) led by President Salva Kiir and the SPLM-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) led by First Vice President Riek Machar, along with the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA).
Unlike voluntary coalitions, this government is structured by a peace agreement that rigidly assigns ministerial portfolios and state governorships to specific parties, ensuring that former combatants share executive power.
The internal dynamics of this coalition are complex and often tense, yet essential for the nation’s survival. Decision-making on critical issues such as the unification of armed forces, oil revenue management, and constitutional amendments requires consensus between the President and his deputies from rival factions. Insiders note that while trust between the parties remains low, the coalition framework has forced a level of political engagement that prevents a return to full-scale conflict.
The cabinet acts as a forum for negotiation, where regional and ethnic interests are balanced through the allocation of ministries. Because of its fragility and heavy international dependence, South Sudan ranks lower on this list.
In terms of governance, the coalition has managed to keep the state functioning despite significant economic and security challenges. The distribution of power extends to the state level, where governors and local commissioners are appointed based on the coalition’s power-sharing quotas. This ensures that opposition groups have administrative control in their strongholds, theoretically reducing the incentive for armed rebellion.
While implementation is often slow, the coalition has overseen the drafting of permanent constitution-making processes and the preparation for future elections, currently slated for late 2026. Overall, the R-TGoNU represents a critical but unstable coalition in Africa.
Moving forward, South Sudan’s coalition is evolving from a wartime necessity into a potential governance standard. International guarantors, including IGAD and the African Union, heavily monitor the coalition’s adherence to the peace deal, providing a layer of external accountability.
Although the arrangement is fragile and often gridlocked, it represents a definitive commitment to shared rule. By forcing bitter rivals to govern together, the R-TGoNU serves as the only viable vessel for maintaining South Sudan’s sovereignty and slowly building a political culture based on negotiation rather than military conquest.
8. Botswana
Botswana entered a new era of coalition governance following the historic general election in late 2024, which saw the end of 58 years of single-party rule by the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). The victor was the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), a coalition movement led by President Duma Boko.
The UDC is not a single party but an alliance of distinct political entities, primarily the Botswana National Front (BNF), the Alliance for Progressives (AP), and the Botswana People’s Party (BPP). This victory marked a seismic shift, establishing coalition politics as the new engine of Botswana’s renowned democracy.
The coalition’s structure is built on a pre-election agreement that unifies diverse political ideologies under a common governance program. Cabinet positions and parliamentary leadership roles are distributed among the member parties of the UDC to ensure fair representation of the alliance’s various factions.
This shared governance model forces a high degree of internal consultation, as the President must balance the interests of his social-democratic partners with more liberal and nationalist elements within the bloc. It represents a maturation of Botswana’s politics, moving from dominant-party stability to a more dynamic, multi-actor executive.
Policy-making under this new coalition focuses heavily on economic diversification and employment creation, areas where the alliance campaigned on a joint manifesto. The policy paragraph has been split for readability. The transition to a coalition government has been smooth, aided by Botswana’s strong institutional frameworks and respect for the rule of law.
The new administration has emphasized a “people-centric” approach, with coalition partners coordinating to review mining contracts, enhance social welfare systems, and decentralize power to local councils where different alliance partners hold sway. Because this coalition is new (2024), its long-term stability is still untested.
Looking ahead, the durability of Botswana’s coalition government will depend on maintaining unity among its constituent parties. To ensure stability, the UDC has established internal dispute-resolution mechanisms and formalized regular leadership councils to align on legislative agendas.
7. Rwanda
Rwanda’s coalition government operates under a “consensus democracy” model, in which power-sharing is constitutionally mandated rather than just politically negotiated. The Constitution requires that the winning party cannot hold more than 50 percent of Cabinet positions, forcing the dominant Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) to govern alongside the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the Liberal Party (PL). This is a mandated coalition, not a typical multi-party arrangement.
The coalition structure is particularly influential in shaping key sectors such as education, ICT, and health. For example, the National ICT Policy and ongoing education reforms reflect cross-party consensus, allowing long-term initiatives to proceed with minimal political disruption.
Similarly, coalition representation in health policy committees contributed to Rwanda’s structured public health responses, highlighting the operational strength of a multi-party government in delivering public services. The presence of minority party ministers in key roles ensures that policy debates incorporate perspectives beyond the ruling RPF.
Rwanda also ensures inclusivity through legally mandated quotas for coalition participation, particularly for women and minority groups. Over 60% of parliamentary seats are occupied by women, a figure reinforced by coalition agreements that guarantee representation across parties. These mechanisms not only stabilise governance but also encourage accountability, as policy debates incorporate perspectives from all coalition members. Critiques include limited opposition autonomy despite these mechanisms.
While critics note the RPF’s overwhelming electoral dominance, the structural requirement for a coalition prevents total exclusion and maintains a level of political plurality.
Institutional innovations further strengthen coalition performance. Parliament committees, local councils, and national policy boards are structured to require multi-party approval for key legislative and budgetary decisions.
This arrangement has enabled Rwanda to sustain continuity in development projects, maintain investor confidence, and navigate political tensions without government collapse, demonstrating that coalition governance is not only formal but functionally effective in ensuring national stability and policy consistency.
6. Morocco
Morocco’s coalition government, formed after the 2021 parliamentary elections, reflects a major political realignment. The National Rally of Independents (RNI) emerged as the dominant party, while the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) and the Istiqlal Party joined to form a stable governing alliance. This coalition represents a mix of liberal technocrats, palace-aligned elites, and conservative-nationalist forces, demonstrating a deliberate balance of political and regional interests.
The coalition controls a clear majority in the House of Representatives, making coalition governance central to the country’s decision-making process. The monarchy retains significant influence over the coalition, shaping major policy directions and mediating internal disagreements.
What sets this coalition apart is the structured power-sharing arrangement that spans ministerial portfolios, parliamentary leadership positions, and key advisory roles. RNI leads the cabinet with technocratic expertise in finance, trade, and infrastructure. PAM contributes policy influence in urban development and modernist economic reforms, while Istiqlal brings experience in rural development and national-level advocacy.
This multi-party framework allows Morocco to pursue ambitious policies while maintaining internal cohesion, even with ideological differences among coalition members. Compared to previous Moroccan coalitions, this arrangement demonstrates greater stability and strategic alignment.
The coalition has actively pursued economic and social reforms. Priority initiatives include expanding social protection, increasing renewable energy investments, and improving urban infrastructure. At the local level, the coalition parties coordinate in regional and municipal governance, aligning local projects with national objectives.
This integration strengthens policy implementation and ensures that national programs such as vocational training schemes and public infrastructure expansion receive consistent support across provinces.
Morocco’s coalition government also navigates delicate relations with the monarchy, which retains significant political influence. By maintaining a cooperative and balanced approach, the coalition ensures legislative efficiency while respecting the traditional power structures of Moroccan politics.
Its stability and cross-level coordination make it one of North Africa’s most enduring coalition arrangements, demonstrating that multi-party governance can be both functional and strategically aligned with national priorities.
5. Kenya
Kenya’s coalition politics have evolved significantly, culminating in the formation of a “Broad-Based Government” in mid-2024. While President William Ruto was elected under the Kenya Kwanza Alliance (led by the UDA), widespread protests and political shifts prompted him to incorporate senior leaders from the opposition Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) into the Cabinet.
Today, the government functions as a de facto Government of National Unity, which is a broad-based government rather than a traditional pre-election coalition, where cabinet positions are shared between the ruling UDA and key opposition figures, ensuring representation of diverse ethnic and regional interests across the country’s 47 counties.
Insiders note that Kenya’s current coalition dynamics are shaped by a delicate balance of ethnic arithmetic and strategic compromise. The inclusion of opposition heavyweights in ministries such as Treasury, Energy, and Mining has altered the decision-making process, requiring consensus between previously rival political camps.
Coalition agreements are no longer just pre-election pacts but active, living arrangements that influence policy priorities. Analysts highlight that this broad-based approach has reduced outright political confrontation, creating a structured mechanism where rival leaders must co-govern rather than fight.
Coalition governments in Kenya actively influence policy implementation and national planning. For instance, the current administration is managing a national budget of approximately Sh3.9 trillion, with oversight distributed among ministers from different political backgrounds to ensure accountability. Cabinet decisions are negotiated to maintain balance, ensuring that development projects are distributed equitably across regions loyal to both the President and his new coalition partners. This model attempts to ensure that no single region feels excluded from the national cake.
Efforts to strengthen coalition stability have included legal and institutional reforms. The 2010 Constitution introduced devolved governance, giving counties more autonomy, which encourages coalition partners to cooperate at both national and local levels. Political analysts also note the Political Parties (Amendment) Act, which formalized coalition agreements, requiring parties to outline shared governance frameworks.
Additionally, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) continues to refine election monitoring. In summary, constitutional and legal reforms have made Kenya’s coalition more resilient.
4. South Africa
South Africa’s political landscape was transformed in 2024 by the formation of a historic Government of National Unity (GNU) at the national level. After the African National Congress (ANC) lost its parliamentary majority for the first time in 30 years, it entered into a coalition with the Democratic Alliance (DA), the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), and several smaller parties like the Patriotic Alliance (PA).
This coalition represents over 70% of the electorate and marks a decisive shift from dominant-party rule to a true multi-party executive, where cabinet positions are negotiated and shared among former rivals. This 2024 coalition was unprecedented in modern South African politics.
Coalition arrangements in South Africa now shape the highest levels of governance. The Cabinet is a mix of diverse ideologies, with the DA holding portfolios such as Home Affairs and Agriculture, while the IFP and ANC manage other critical sectors.
These negotiations ensure that governance is no longer unilateral thereby making policy decisions regarding the economy, foreign affairs, and healthcare now require consensus-building within the GNU. This setup aims to balance the ANC’s social welfare agenda with the DA’s focus on economic liberalization and administrative efficiency.
Legislative reforms and written agreements have strengthened the functionality of this coalition. The parties signed a “Statement of Intent” outlining shared principles and dispute resolution mechanisms to prevent gridlock. This framework is crucial for approving national budgets and overseeing state-owned enterprises.
Civil society and markets have reacted positively to this cooperation, viewing the coalition as a stabilizing force that checks the power of any single entity while promoting accountability through mutual oversight. Challenges remain, including occasional tension between coalition partners over policy priorities.
Coalitions have also encouraged strategic compromises and long-term planning. The GNU has prioritized “Operation Vulindlela,” a joint structural reform program aimed at fixing energy and logistics crises. By pooling talent from different parties, the government is attempting to address service delivery backlogs more effectively.
This partnership ensures that critical national projects continue efficiently, reflecting a uniquely South African approach where coalition governance balances dominant-party authority with minority-party influence to meet citizen needs.
3. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
The DRC has a long history of broad coalition governments, currently exemplified by the “Sacred Union of the Nation,” which was formed in 2021. This massive coalition brings together hundreds of political parties, including the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), the Union for the Congolese Nation (UNC), and the Movement for the Liberation of the Congo (MLC). In a parliament of 500 seats where no single party holds a majority, this coalition is the essential framework for legislative and executive function, managing ministerial distribution and regional representation.
Coalitions in the DRC are essential in balancing national and regional interests in a vast and fractured country. Cabinet appointments are meticulously calculated to account for party strength, provincial influence, and ethnic representation, creating a system where governance must negotiate across multiple stakeholders.
This has allowed the government to implement large-scale infrastructure projects and maintain a unified political front, even as the country faces security challenges in the eastern provinces. The coalition acts as a mechanism to keep potential political spoilers within the government rather than in opposition.
Despite challenges such as political rivalries and internal jockeying for position, coalition governments have enabled relative stability in legislative processes. The Sacred Union has emphasized anti-corruption measures, free primary education, and the renegotiation of mining contracts to benefit the state. These initiatives show how coalition agreements translate into actionable governance objectives while maintaining political balance. The sheer size of the coalition compels continuous dialogue, preventing the complete paralysis of the state.
The DRC’s coalition model demonstrates a highly structured and thorough approach to multi-party governance. Its practice of forming “mega-coalitions” ensures that power is shared across diverse political actors.
While critics point to the bloated size of the government, supporters argue that in a country as complex as the DRC, an inclusive coalition is the only way to maintain national cohesion. It remains a cornerstone of national governance stability, proving that shared power is a necessity for survival in the Congolese political context.
2. Mauritius
Mauritius has long operated under a coalition government framework, a trend that was powerfully reaffirmed in the November 2024 general elections. The election resulted in a landslide victory for the Alliance du Changement (Alliance for Change), a coalition led by the Labour Party and the Mauritian Militant Movement (MMM). This victory replaced the previous Alliance Lepep, demonstrating the country’s vibrant democratic tradition where power regularly shifts between competing coalitions.
Mauritius has a long history of coalition governance going back decades. These alliances are not temporary conveniences but the default system of governance, with pre-election agreements dictating the sharing of cabinet posts and the Prime Ministership.
Coalitions in Mauritius are particularly notable for their inclusivity and formalized agreements. Cabinet portfolios are distributed proportionally according to party representation, and policy priorities such as economic diversification and tourism management are negotiated among coalition partners.
This system has facilitated continuity in national economic planning. The Mauritian economy has shown resilience under coalition rule, with the country recording a robust GDP growth of approximately 8.7% in 2022, a reflection of stable coalition governance.
Beyond economic policy, coalition governments in Mauritius manage social and regional representation. The inclusion of Rodrigues-based parties ensures that the smaller island’s needs such as infrastructure, fisheries support, and local administration are formally incorporated into national governance. Similarly, coalition arrangements have maintained ethnic and linguistic balance, crucial in a multi-ethnic society. Such a balance is embedded in ministerial allocations and parliamentary leadership roles, reducing the risk of unilateral policy dominance and ensuring that legislation reflects a broad societal consensus.
Mauritius demonstrates one of the most stable coalition systems in Africa. Its coalitions are formal, long-standing, and deeply embedded in both legislative and administrative processes. Even during election cycles, coalition negotiations are transparent and structured, with pre-agreed frameworks for cabinet distribution.
Mauritius ranks above Botswana and South Africa due to the long-term institutionalization of coalition governance. This stability has allowed Mauritius to pursue economic and social reforms efficiently, showing how enduring coalition governance can coexist with sustained national development and institutional continuity.
1. Lesotho
Lesotho’s coalition government system is the most entrenched in Africa, making it the continent’s benchmark for coalition governance. Since 2012, no single party has secured an outright majority, making shared power the norm. The current government is led by the Revolution for Prosperity (RFP), founded by Sam Matekane, which formed a coalition with the Alliance of Democrats (AD) and the Movement for Economic Change (MEC) following the 2022 elections. This coalition replaced the previous dominance of the ABC and DC parties, showcasing the fluidity and responsiveness of Lesotho’s parliamentary democracy.
Lesotho’s coalition dynamics are particularly strong due to formalized agreements and parliamentary procedures that enforce shared power. Ministries are allocated proportionally based on party representation, while key parliamentary committees are co-chaired by coalition members.
This arrangement has allowed for legislative continuity even during politically sensitive periods. The RFP-led coalition has focused on streamlining the civil service and boosting agricultural productivity, relying on its partners to secure the necessary votes in parliament to pass these reformist agendas.
Social cohesion and regional representation further strengthen Lesotho’s coalitions. The country’s mountainous terrain and decentralized districts mean that coalition governments must accommodate both urban and rural constituencies. Parties from different regions hold ministerial portfolios to ensure equitable distribution of resources, such as road rehabilitation projects in the highlands and support programs in the lowlands. This inclusivity not only maintains political stability but also guarantees that coalition agreements translate into national development priorities rather than serving narrow party interests.
Lesotho’s coalition model is the most structurally embedded of all countries on this list, making it the continent’s clearest example of institutionalized coalition governance in 2025. Unlike other African countries where coalitions may be situational, Lesotho’s coalitions are systematic, recurring, and embedded in the political structure itself.
They have endured multiple election cycles, facilitated multi-party negotiation of national policy, and ensured that governance is consistently shared across political actors. The country’s coalition government is, therefore, not just a mechanism but the very backbone of its national political order.
The rise of coalition governments across Africa marks a decisive shift from the era of dominant-party rule to a new age of collaborative democracy. As demonstrated by the systems in Lesotho and Mauritius, and the historic 2024 political transitions in Botswana and South Africa, power-sharing is proving to be a resilient mechanism for managing the continent’s deep ethnic and regional diversity.
While challenges remain particularly in fragile contexts like South Sudan and Guinea-Bissau, the increasing institutionalisation of these alliances suggests that African governance is evolving toward greater inclusivity. Looking forward, coalition governance is likely to shape Africa’s political landscape well beyond 2025, promoting stability, accountability, and shared development agendas.
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