A recent governance report by the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) has highlighted the persistent governance challenges in African countries. Despite having strong laws and policies in place, many countries continue to struggle with corruption, weak oversight institutions, and poor implementation of existing laws. The report, known as the African Integrity Indicators, assesses transparency, accountability, and social development across African countries.
The report examines institutions such as the judiciary, electoral management bodies, anti-corruption agencies, supreme audit institutions, and public procurement authorities. It assesses whether citizens can access public information, whether courts publish rulings promptly, and how public officials are appointed. The report also evaluates the operating environment for civil society organizations, particularly where governments may restrict their activities or target organizations working on human rights and governance.
Dr. Alex Nester Jiya, AFIDEP's research and policy analyst and project lead for the African Integrity Indicators, said the findings reveal significant differences in how countries implement laws and make public institutions accountable to citizens. He emphasized the importance of stronger institutions, adequate funding, and political commitment to address persistent governance challenges. Jiya also called for greater independence, effectiveness, and adequate funding for oversight bodies.
The report's findings point to the importance of independent national statistics offices, which are responsible for producing data used to inform public policy on issues including poverty, health, and economic development. However, political interference and inadequate funding can undermine the ability of these institutions to perform their mandates effectively. The report also examines the quality of electoral institutions and access to information, particularly in the context of Kenya's 2027 General Election.
A representative of the African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption emphasized the need for political will to translate into concrete action, including investment in institutions mandated to fight corruption and monitor public finances. She also called for greater citizen participation in governance, arguing that the public must have meaningful opportunities to question leaders and provide feedback on government decisions.
The report's launch featured experiences from Sierra Leone and Egypt, where representatives discussed how governance data can inform efforts to strengthen institutions and address corruption. Nancy Muigei, who participated in a high-level dialogue on integrity, narratives, and oversight for institutions in Africa, said governments should use data to improve institutional design, measure progress, and respond to citizens' concerns.
The African Integrity Indicators report provides an opportunity to identify weaknesses that might otherwise remain hidden behind the existence of laws and formal institutions. The data also feeds into broader governance assessments, including the Ibrahim Index of African Governance and the World Bank's Worldwide Governance Indicators. The report's findings and recommendations aim to support efforts to strengthen governance and accountability in African countries.
Key points
- African countries struggle with corruption, weak oversight institutions, and poor implementation of existing laws.
- The report calls for stronger institutions, adequate funding, and political commitment to address persistent governance challenges.
- The report's findings and recommendations aim to support efforts to strengthen governance and accountability in African countries.
