The theme for the 2023 African School on Decentralisation (ASD) is ‘Giving effect to the African Charter on the Values and Principles of Decentralisation, Local Governance and Local Development’. This year’s African School on Decentralisation will take place from 3-16 September 2023 in Addis Ababa.
This ASD will take an in-depth look into the Charter and examine what the Charter requires from states in terms of implementing decentralization. It compares the African Charter with other continental charters on decentralization and local government, including the European Charter on Local Self-Government. Furthermore, the 2023 ASD will examine how African states are implementing the Charter.
Flowing from the charter, the ASD 2023 will cover themes such as
- recognition of local governments and their boundaries
- local democracy and participation;
- accountability and transparency in local government
- meaningful powers for local governments
- local fiscal powers and revenue sharing
- intergovernmental relations and supervision
Given that the African Union (AU) has its headquarters in Addis Ababa, the 2023 ASD will include engagement with the AU desk responsible for the Charter on Decentralization.
The course will be presented by leading experts in the field from a regional and international perspective. It offers a platform in which African practitioners, academics and activists can be educated and encouraged to innovate and experiment, and to learn from one another in order to address the challenges in the implementation of decentralization. The course will include lectures, interactive discussions, case studies and study visits dealing with the selected thematic areas. Also, it will focus on the literature pertaining to the different continents and use comparative case studies to deepen the knowledge on and understanding of the challenges confronting the African region. The ultimate goal is to advance good governance in local government in Africa.
The costs for the 2023 Course, including accommodation and meals, is covered by the organizers. A limited number of bursaries will be awarded, based on need, to cover an economy class return ticket to Addis Ababa.
Info Webinar
If you are interested in applying to the ASD 2023, we encourage you to attend the Info Webinar on 12 April at 10h00 SAST. During this webinar, the ASD 2023 will be introduced, and you will be able to ask questions. Attending the webinar will enable you to submit the best possible application.
Click here to sign up for the information webinar.
More information and registration
Visit the website of the Dullah Omar Institution for more information and registration details for the 2023 African School on Decentralisation (ASD), including information on key registration deadlines.
