UNITED CITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS OF AFRICA (UCLGA)

Advocacy and Lobbying (AL) for Local Government

Ref: AL3 Continental guidelines on decentralisation

Despite widespread advocacy and praise for the decentralization ideology, the implementation and outcomes of the process have been different from one country to another. This variation has been attributable to the diversity of the countries in terms of socioeconomic status, the national legal and institutional framework conditions, as well as the political will to implement decentralization. Although the concept of decentralization has been accorded elaborate discourse among academicians and governments its implementation in various countries has largely hinged on political willingness to devolve functions and transfer authority for decision-making, finance, and management to quasi-autonomous units of local government with corporate status.  When conducted rationally, devolution usually transfers responsibilities for services to local governments that elect their own representatives, raise their own revenues, and have independent authority to make investment decisions. In a devolved system, local governments have clear legally recognized geographical boundaries over which they exercise authority and within which they perform public functions.

In Africa, different countries have adopted decentralization with varying degrees with some have devolved responsibilities to  local governments to a much greater degree than others. It may be argued that such variations may be due to a lack of consensus on a generic conceptual framework for decentralization. Such a framework would provide a rational guide to decentralization under conditions that would allay the fears of central governments as well as build a sense of responsible citizenry among local communities.

The UCLGA project aims to review initiatives already undertaken to develop the concept of decentralization, for example, by the United Nations HABITAT, hold elaborate African consultations and recommend an appropriate framework and guidelines on decentralization.

The UCLGA will undertake the following;

1. Commission studies on decentralisation as a basis for the development of appropriate models most appropriate in the African context with a view to enhancing local governance.
2. Engage African governments, regional governmental groupings, the African Union and Pan African Parliament to promote progressive decentralisation and local governance in Africa based on sound principles of devolution of responsibilities and means.
3. Promote good practices in local governance and uphold democratic principles based on regular local elections regularly in order to strengthen citizens’ support.