Technocracy and Democracy: The Challenges to Development in Africa

Abstract

In this paper, we argue that the future of development in Africa lies in the shift from democracy in the conventional sense to technocracy, where the role of the expert is recognized and appreciated. We set out by presenting conceptualizations of democracy and technocracy. Thereafter, we highlight the challenge posed by the demands of the information society to traditional concepts of democracy.Democracy is a system of governance in which political leaders are freely elected,with the underlying assumption that the leadership will be responsible to the governedby translating pre-election pledges into concrete policies that enhance the generalwelfare of society. However, the elected leaders rely on experts to formulate andimplement the relevant policies. Such technocrats therefore exercise authority andpower by virtue of their competence in specific fields. Thus the technocrat exercisesinfluence on the political leader, who in turn takes credit for the benefits that accrue tosociety.