Dr. Lansana Gagny SAKHO, a seasoned practitioner, has published a book titled "Gouverner est un Métier" (Governing is a Profession) with Éditions L'Harmattan Sénégal. The book, released on September 30, 2026, offers a unique perspective on governance, drawing from the author's three decades of experience in managing state agencies, public institutions, and continental organizations. It provides a structured and lucid account of his experiences, lessons learned, and recommendations.
The book is divided into three parts, comprising 26 chapters. Part I, "The Foundations of a Career," recounts Dr. SAKHO's journey, from his engineering background to his work with multinational corporations and international organizations. This section demonstrates how his public vocation was shaped by diverse institutional cultures and requirements. Part II, "Mastering the World & Transmission," focuses on information sovereignty and economic intelligence, emphasizing that sovereignty is not just a discourse, but a demonstration.
In Part III, "From Strategy to the State," Dr. SAKHO delves into his significant institutional experiences, including his roles at ADEPME, OFOR, and ONAS. He provides detailed insights into transformation methods, difficult decisions, and the conditions for institutional excellence. The book concludes with a mentorship note addressed to those governing or aspiring to govern the African parapublic sector. Dr. SAKHO's central thesis is that competence is the only substitute for complacency.
The author argues that governing is a profession that requires technical competence, long-term vision, and a service ethic that cannot be replaced by personal loyalty networks. He emphasizes that loyalty to the people, law, and institutions, rather than to individuals, is essential for public officials. Dr. SAKHO also stresses that a territory's attractiveness is not created by proclaiming it, but by establishing real conditions, and that investors evaluate the coherence between a territory's promises and its delivery.
Dr. SAKHO uses benchmarks from Asia, such as South Korea, Vietnam, and Singapore, as "mirrors" to demonstrate what method, consistency, and duration can achieve in contexts similar to those in sub-Saharan Africa. He encourages the youth to prepare themselves rather than expecting easy solutions, stating that employment for young people is not resolved through compassion, but through competitiveness.
The book has been praised for its intellectual honesty, strategic structure, and focus on action. It is seen as a timely contribution to the debate on African institutions and development models. Dr. SAKHO's work is not a militant pamphlet, technical report, or memoir, but a testimony that offers a unique perspective on governance.
The book's release has generated significant interest, with many recognizing the need for such a publication in the current context. Dr. SAKHO's work is expected to contribute to the ongoing discussions on governance and development in Africa.
Key points
- Dr. Lansana Gagny SAKHO's book "Gouverner est un Métier" offers a unique perspective on governance, drawing from his three decades of experience in managing state agencies, public institutions, and continental organizations.
