Decentralisation has advanced considerably in Africa in the last two decades. Since 1990, many African central governments have initiated or deepened processes to transfer authority, power, responsibilities, and resources to sub-national levels. To examine the results of these processes, USAID has commissioned a comparative study to draw lessons from 10 country experiences with decentralisation: Botswana, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. This study is a comparative report drawing upon desk studies of the countries above, plus follow-up field studies in five of the countries (Botswana, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Tanzania).
Evidence shows that decentralisation in Africa has helped enhance democracy somewhat, has proven consistent with stability, and has contributed to marginal improvements in local public service provision in some cases. Achievements have been modest, but we can clearly say there has been little damage to governance as a result of decentralisation. This may seem faint praise, but is itself surprising given concerns about local capacity and the newness of many decentralised governments and administrations. It is thus an encouraging sign that decentralisation may be able to meet some of its goals and objectives as it is institutionalised and consolidated over time.
To access the final report and summary of the findings please click here or go to the Library section of the CIB working Group website and click on Case studies.
To download the findings per country please go to: http://trademarksa.org/news/decentralisation-africa-summary-findings and follow the links.