Perspectives on governance in Southern Africa : recommendations and plan of action

Abstract

Good governance has been a topic of discussion in the international arena since the late 1980s, particularly following the adverse results of structural adjustment programs (SAPs). The failure of SAPs to overcome the major structural and institutional impediments to rapid and sustained growth in African countries popularized such terms and concepts as democracy, civil society, popular participation, transparency, accountability, human rights and so on, in the field of development economics. In its renewed efforts to serve Africa better, and in its capacity as the lead agency of the governance component of NEPAD, ECA has recommitted itself to help strengthen government capabilities and effectiveness and to consolidate institutions and practices of good governance. It is against this background of recognizing the importance of good governance for economic and social development that ECA has embarked on an ambitious program to study and measure the many complex aspects of governance in Africa. The African Governance Project seeks to monitor and keep track of the progress that various countries are making towards enhancing democratic values and governance. The project is complementary to government efforts and it seeks to establish a consensus among a wide range of stakeholders on how good governance may be enhanced on the continent. In order to achieve this, Southern African countries need to develop strong, people-centered governance institutions and establish a culture of political and social inclusion.