This article draws from some theoretical and practical issues that emerge with connection to democracy and civil society in exploring democratization processes in Africa. It discusses the political economy of democracy in order to inspire the creation of popular democracy. It concludes that whereas democracy can bring new hopes and anxieties for the African people, its leaders and the emerging democratic governments must support the establishment of civil society to cement the need for pluralism and multi-party politics on the continent. Also, it encourages each sovereign state to respect the rule of law, human rights and allow the private enterprise system to prosper.