Technical co-operation in Africa issues and concerns for improving effectiveness

Abstract

The effectiveness of technical co-operation is now recognized as an important element to complement countries' development efforts, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Given the very thin human resource base in many African countries, relative to the amends placed on these economies, technical cooperation has a significant role to play in building Africa's institutional, policy and management capacities. However, there is growing concern mat this type of co-operation has: so far not helped create the capacities considered essential for sustained economic and social development in Africa. Because of this, African governments and donors in recent years have concentrated attention on analyzing the way technical co-operation is provided and used. There exists a consensus, expressed in various ways that improvements ought to be sought.