Dr. Lansana Gagny SAKHO, a seasoned practitioner in African governance, has published a book titled "Gouverner est un Métier" (Governing is a Profession) with Éditions L'Harmattan Sénégal. The book, released in September 2026, offers a unique perspective on governance in Africa, 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 for effective governance.
The book is divided into three parts, covering the author's personal journey, the importance of information sovereignty and economic intelligence, and his experiences in transforming institutions. Dr. SAKHO argues that Africa's problems are not due to a lack of potential but rather a lack of effective methods. He cites statistics, including 30% of the world's mineral reserves, 60% of unexploited arable land, and a young population, yet only 6% of global foreign direct investments and 16% of intra-regional trade.
Dr. SAKHO's book offers a critical analysis of the current state of governance in Africa, highlighting the need for a shift from rhetoric to action. He emphasizes that sovereignty is not just a discourse but a demonstration of a country's ability to transform its economy and institutions. The author uses examples from countries like South Korea, which has transformed its economy in just five decades, to illustrate the importance of effective governance and strategic decision-making.
The book also explores the importance of competence in governance, arguing that technical expertise, long-term vision, and a commitment to public service are essential for effective governance. Dr. SAKHO emphasizes that loyalty to the public interest, the law, and institutions should take precedence over personal loyalty to individuals. He also stresses that attractiveness of a territory is not just about promoting itself but about creating the right conditions for investment.
Dr. SAKHO's message to the youth is one of empowerment, urging them to prepare themselves for the job market rather than relying on promises of easy employment. He argues that the education system must produce skills that match the needs of the economy, and that competitiveness, rather than compassion, is key to addressing youth unemployment.
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 governance and development in Africa, offering a unique perspective from a practitioner who has spent decades working in the field. The book is not a memoir or a technical report but a testimony to the author's experiences and a call to action for effective governance.
Dr. SAKHO's work has been endorsed by Professor Chérif Salif SY, who praises the book for its insightful analysis and recommendations. The book is seen as a valuable resource for policymakers, practitioners, and anyone interested in governance and development in Africa. It offers a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the continent and provides a framework for effective governance and transformation.
Key points
- Dr. Lansana Gagny SAKHO's book "Gouverner est un Métier" offers a unique perspective on governance in Africa, drawing from his three decades of experience in managing state agencies, public institutions, and continental organizations.
- The book emphasizes the importance of competence, technical expertise, and long-term vision in governance, and argues that loyalty to the public interest should take precedence over personal loyalty to individuals.
- The book provides a critical analysis of the current state of governance in Africa, highlighting the need for a shift from rhetoric to action, and offers recommendations for effective governance and transformation.
