African Heads of Public Services Focus on Leadership and Governance

Tanzania's Vice-President, Dr Ali Mohamed Shein

Effective leadership and good governance in Commonwealth African countries were among the issues discussed at the second meeting of African Heads of Public Services held in Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania, on 19-20 July 2005. Under the theme, 'Sustainable Growth and Renewal', the meeting sought to assess the state of African public services and the efforts of respective governments to promote reform and efficiency.

The meeting brought together senior government officials including Cabinet ministers, heads of public services and permanent secretaries. It was organised by the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Government of Tanzania.

In a speech delivered at the opening of the meeting on 19 July, Tanzania's Vice-President, Dr Ali Mohamed Shein, said that to realise Africa's hopes for development, it was crucial to pursue sustainable growth and poverty eradication. He emphasised that good governance played a vital role in achieving this.

"Good governance ensures the most efficient utilisation of the already scarce resources in the promotion of development. It promotes the rule of law and enhances participation, responsibility and accountability. Good governance has the potential to emancipate people from poverty and have state legitimacy recognised and entrenched."

The Vice-President pointed out that democracy, peace and security were crucial for attracting investment, facilitating economic growth and development, and reducing poverty. Sound economic policy-making and execution, and the maintenance of macroeconomic stability were, he stated, equally important. He called on African public services to take the lead in the promotion of good governance, and the pursuit of excellence, creativity and innovativeness.

Also speaking at the opening, Professor Victor Ayeni, Director of the Governance and Institutional Development Division of the Secretariat, urged African public services to uphold sound and sustainable administrative practices through good governance.

"Strong, effective leadership is imperative for African public services. Also of critical importance is the need to sustain the continent's development through a determined effort to develop the capacities of serving staff; implement serious and methodical mentoring of today's youth; and establish future leaders able to uphold the principles of justice, honesty and accountability," Professor Ayeni said.

He noted that managing the inflow of capital from international donor communities in support of the New Partnership for Africa's Development initiatives is an important issue for many African countries. In view of this, a regular forum of Heads of Public Services will help to harmonise the roles and collective energies of Africa's development partners.

Representatives from the Commission for Africa, African Association for Public Administration Management, UN Department for Economic and Social Affairs and other development agencies also participated in the meeting.

 

CNIS - Commonwealth News and Information Service Issue 245, 27 July 2005

Key Links:

• Governance and Institutional Development Division (GIDD)