15.1 Emerging trends in African governance
2 min read•august 7, 2024
African governance is evolving, with and reshaping power structures. Countries are implementing anti-corruption measures and to boost transparency. These changes aim to strengthen democratic institutions and improve service delivery.
Citizen participation is on the rise through and civic tech. Youth and women are increasingly engaged in politics, challenging traditional norms. These trends show a shift towards more inclusive and accountable governance in Africa.
Governance Reforms
Decentralization and Constitutional Reforms
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- Decentralization involves the transfer of power and resources from central governments to local authorities, aiming to improve service delivery and accountability at the grassroots level
- Decentralization can take various forms, including political (devolution of decision-making power), fiscal (allocation of financial resources), and administrative (transfer of responsibilities and functions) decentralization
- Constitutional reforms in many African countries have focused on strengthening democratic institutions, promoting the rule of law, and protecting human rights
- These reforms often involve the separation of powers, establishment of independent judiciaries, and provisions for free and fair elections (multiparty elections)
Anti-Corruption Initiatives and E-Governance
- in Africa have gained momentum, with the establishment of specialized agencies and the adoption of legal frameworks to combat graft
- Examples of anti-corruption bodies include the (EFCC) in Nigeria and the in Sierra Leone
- E-governance refers to the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of government services
- E-governance initiatives in Africa include online tax payment systems, digital land registries, and e-procurement platforms, which aim to reduce corruption and improve service delivery (e-passport systems)
Citizen Participation
Participatory Democracy and Civic Technology
- Participatory democracy emphasizes the active involvement of citizens in decision-making processes beyond periodic elections
- Examples of participatory democracy in Africa include in South Africa and in Kenya, where communities have a say in resource allocation and development priorities
- refers to the use of digital tools and platforms to facilitate citizen engagement, access to information, and government accountability
- Civic tech initiatives in Africa include online platforms for reporting corruption ( in Kenya), citizen feedback systems, and election monitoring applications ()
Youth and Women's Political Engagement
- has been on the rise in Africa, with young people advocating for their rights, demanding accountability, and participating in political processes
- Examples of youth-led movements include the #EndSARS protests in Nigeria against police brutality and the Y'en a Marre (We're Fed Up) movement in Senegal, which has mobilized young people for political change
- in Africa has been growing, with increased representation in parliaments and leadership positions
- Countries like Rwanda, South Africa, and Senegal have made significant strides in promoting in politics through quotas and affirmative action policies
- Despite progress, women still face barriers to political participation, including cultural norms, financial constraints, and violence against women in politics
Key Terms to Review (15)
Anti-corruption commission: An anti-corruption commission is a specialized governmental agency established to combat corruption through investigation, prevention, and enforcement. These commissions often aim to promote transparency and accountability in governance by tackling bribery, embezzlement, and other forms of corrupt practices that undermine public trust and good governance.
Anti-corruption initiatives: Anti-corruption initiatives are systematic efforts implemented by governments, organizations, and civil society to prevent, identify, and combat corruption in various forms, including bribery, embezzlement, and fraud. These initiatives aim to promote transparency, accountability, and integrity within both public and private sectors, essential for fostering good governance and economic development in African states facing challenges related to corruption.
Citizen Forums: Citizen forums are platforms that facilitate public participation and engagement in governance, enabling citizens to voice their opinions, concerns, and suggestions on various political issues. These forums are essential for fostering democratic practices and accountability, as they encourage dialogue between citizens and their government representatives, promoting transparency and inclusiveness in decision-making processes.
Civic technology: Civic technology refers to the use of technology, particularly digital tools and platforms, to enhance the relationship between citizens and their governments. It promotes greater participation, transparency, and accountability in governance by enabling citizens to engage more actively with public services, access information, and provide feedback. This technology helps empower communities, improve service delivery, and foster a more collaborative governance model.
Constitutional reforms: Constitutional reforms refer to changes or amendments made to a country's constitution to improve governance, enhance democratic principles, and address issues of political representation and human rights. These reforms often emerge in response to political crises, social movements, or demands for greater accountability and transparency in governance. In many African nations, constitutional reforms have played a crucial role in the waves of democratization and have become key elements in the emerging trends of governance across the continent.
Decentralization: Decentralization is the process of redistributing or dispersing functions, powers, people, or decision-making away from a central authority to local or regional authorities. This approach aims to enhance governance, increase public participation, and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public services. By empowering local governments and communities, decentralization can play a vital role in nation-building, create frameworks for constitutional governance, shape the balance between federal and centralized systems, and reflect emerging trends in governance across regions.
E-governance: E-governance refers to the use of digital technology, particularly the internet, to enhance and streamline the delivery of government services, improve communication with citizens, and promote transparency and accountability. This modern approach enables governments to engage with their citizens more effectively and efficiently while addressing issues such as corruption and bureaucratic inefficiencies.
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission: The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is a Nigerian law enforcement agency established to combat economic and financial crimes such as money laundering, fraud, and corruption. It plays a crucial role in anti-corruption efforts by investigating and prosecuting individuals and organizations involved in these crimes, significantly impacting governance and accountability in Nigeria.
Gender equality: Gender equality refers to the state in which access to rights or opportunities is unaffected by gender. It encompasses the equal treatment of individuals, regardless of their gender, in social, economic, and political realms. Achieving gender equality is essential for creating fair societies where both men and women can fully participate in decision-making processes and enjoy the same rights and responsibilities, ultimately leading to sustainable development and improved governance.
I paid a bribe: The phrase 'I paid a bribe' refers to the act of offering money or gifts to public officials or individuals in authority to influence their actions or decisions unlawfully. This practice is a significant concern in the context of governance, as it undermines trust in institutions and perpetuates corruption within political and economic systems.
Participatory budgeting: Participatory budgeting is a democratic process in which community members directly decide how to allocate part of a public budget. This approach not only empowers citizens by giving them a voice in financial decision-making but also enhances transparency and accountability in governance, making it an essential tool for improving public sector performance and citizen trust. By involving citizens in budget discussions, it reflects their priorities and needs, thus promoting a more equitable distribution of resources.
Participatory Democracy: Participatory democracy is a model of democratic governance that emphasizes the involvement of citizens in decision-making processes and policy formulation. This approach promotes active engagement, allowing individuals to have a direct influence on the political and social issues that affect their lives. In the context of African governance, participatory democracy is increasingly seen as a vital mechanism for enhancing accountability, transparency, and responsiveness within political systems.
Ushahidi: Ushahidi is a crowdsourcing platform that allows users to gather and share information through mapping and data collection, primarily in response to crises or events. It emerged in 2008 after the post-election violence in Kenya and has since been used globally to enhance transparency and accountability in various situations, showcasing the growing role of technology in governance and citizen engagement.
Women's political participation: Women's political participation refers to the involvement of women in the political processes of their countries, including voting, running for office, and engaging in activism. This participation is crucial for achieving gender equality and ensuring that women's voices are heard in decision-making processes. Women's political participation has been increasingly recognized as an essential component of democratic governance, influencing policies and legislation that impact not only women but society as a whole.
Youth political engagement: Youth political engagement refers to the active participation of young individuals in political processes, including voting, activism, and civic activities. This involvement is crucial as it shapes the future of governance and influences policy-making, especially in regions with a large youth population like Africa. The empowerment of youth through political engagement can lead to greater representation and more responsive governance structures.