Achieving the African economic community: implications and management

Abstract

The establishment of the African Economic Community (AEC) presents significant challenges for public administration and management at continental, regional, and national levels. The Organization of African Unity (OAU) and other African institutions are actively addressing these challenges through various initiatives, including two major studies aimed at restructuring the OAU General Secretariat into a unified OAU/AEC Secretariat and enhancing the effectiveness of the Joint (OAU/ECA/ADB) Secretariat. These efforts are supported by UNDP-funded projects. The paper examines the administrative and management issues arising from the AEC's establishment and proposes policy options to address them.