This panel addresses the understudied phenomenon of political elites in Africa, with a focus on both North Africa and Sub-Saharan countries. The panel seeks to examine key questions such as who governs, who comprises political elites, and their actions within the context of the continent. Traditionally, political science research has approached the study of political elites in Africa in a functionalist manner, examining their roles in economic reforms and democratization processes. However, this approach has left a significant gap in knowledge surrounding the characteristics and actions of male and female politicians on the continent, as well as a lack of data and research in certain areas, especially Francophone Africa.Recent developments in research have begun to fill this gap, and this panel aims to provide a platform for presenting these findings and fostering a deeper understanding of the role of political elites in Africa. Panelists will analyze the biographies, strategies, networks, resources, and interests of political elites in North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, and explore how these factors contribute to political power dynamics in these regions. Case studies and comparative analyses, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data, will be presented to highlight similarities and differences between North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. The panel will address questions such as the social properties of these elites, the paths politicians take to enter and advance in politics, and the means by which political elites gain and retain power in these regions. Additionally, the panel will investigate the sources of elite support and opposition and examine how political elites shape public policy. By providing a space for scholars to engage in dialogue and debate on these topics, the panel seeks to contribute to a better understanding of the role of political elites in the Global South, with a specific focus on African national settings. Through this examination, the panel also aims to enhance understanding of political elite phenomena from a comparative perspective.