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Decentralization in Africa : A Stocktaking Survey

In the last decade or so, decentralization has gained prominence as an expressed goal or as an actual pursuit in several African countries. Moreover, since independence, several countries have experimented with decentralization with varying degrees of success. The near universality of the claim to decentralization and the diverse consequences of the revival of local government structures under political liberalization suggest a need to better understand the extent, pace, and consequences of decentralization in Africa. This is critical for development work since the reformulation of state power through decentralization has implications for how and where development partners set their priorities and deploy their resources. This paper provides an overview of decentralization in Africa based on the assessments of World Bank specialists working on each country covered. The extent of decentralization was measured by three indices reflective of the three aspects of decentralization: political, administrative, and fiscal. Our findings indicate decentralization in Africa is progressing but unevenly both in terms of regional spread and in terms of the aspects of decentralization that are installed. Overall, the pace and content of decentralization in the region can best be described as moderate and, where it has effectively been installed, in need of deepening. Among the 30 countries analyzed, a little less than half have high or moderate levels of overall decentralization, with the least decentralization occurring in francophone countries. While these findings suggest decentralized authorities in Africa are short on the requisites for effective administration and development response to local community needs, it is critical to recognize that these authorities are in the midst of immense change. This change is indeed in the right direction – toward a deliberate creation and enhancement of local authority. It is significant to note that in no country was the claim to centralization as a preferred organizational model made or implied, nor was decentralization considered undesirable, only difficult to effect and sustain. Authors’ Affiliation and Sponsorship Stephen N. Ndegwa Young Professional Email: sndegwa@worldbank.org _ The Africa Region Working Paper Series expedites dissemination of applied research and policy studies with potential for improving economic performance and social conditions in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Series publishes papers at preliminary stages to stimulate timely discussion within the Region and among client countries, donors, and the policy research community. The editorial board for the Series consists of representatives from professional families appointed by the Region’s Sector Directors. For additional information, please contact Paula White, managing editor of the series, (81131), Email: pwhite2@worldbank.org or visit the Web site: http://www.worldbank.org/afr/wps/index.htm. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this paper are entirely those of the author(s), they do not necessarily represent the views of the World Bank Group, its Executive Directors, or the countries they represent and should not be attributed to them. DECENTRALIZATION IN AFRICA: A STOCKTAKING SURVEY