Developing governance and accountability in Africa

In a bid to address the critical issue of governance and accountability in Africa, the Open Government Partnership (OGP) has emphasized the need for prioritizing transparency and inclusivity in leadership across the continent. The OGP, founded 11 years ago by eight governments, aims to ensure that governments serve the interests of the citizens and not just the political elite. Theo Chiviru, the Regional Lead for Africa & Middle East at the Open Government Partnership, sheds light on the organization's mission and the challenges faced in promoting good governance in the region. Chiviru explains that the OGP focuses on advancing the principles of transparency, accountability, and citizen participation to enhance government effectiveness and deliver better policies and services for the public. Through collaboration with government, civil society, and parliament, the OGP has expanded its network to include 27 national governments and 106 local governments committed to these principles. The recent regional meeting in Morocco brought together key stakeholders to strategize on building better democracies that can respond to the pressing challenges facing the continent. With a growing sense of restlessness among the youth, declining trust in governments, and concerns over the efficacy of elections in ensuring accountability, the meeting aimed to address these critical issues. The delegates discussed the need to improve governance structures to tackle issues such as climate change, inequality, and poverty, while also enhancing service delivery in crucial sectors like education and healthcare. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the existing challenges in service delivery and underscored the importance of citizen-centric governance. Despite the progress made in some OGP member countries like Nigeria and Ghana, Chiviru acknowledges that more reforms are needed to scale up transparency and accountability across the continent. While there are pockets of success in promoting transparency in company ownership and citizen participation in local projects, Chiviru emphasizes the need for stronger political will to drive these reforms. Ministers and parliamentarians within the OGP have expressed a desire to collaborate with civil society in implementing governance reforms to better serve the interests of the citizens. Chiviru reiterates the importance of strategic partnerships in navigating resistance to transparency and accountability initiatives within government. By working together, governments and civil society can foster a more open and responsive governance system that prioritizes the welfare of the people. The OGP's efforts in advocating for transparency and accountability in Africa are crucial for building governments that are truly accountable to their citizens and capable of delivering on their needs and aspirations.