On October 22, 2024, the African School of Decentralization, in collaboration with the LPSA Sub-Saharan Africa Working Group, the Dullah Omar Institute at the University of the Western Cape, and the Centre for Federalism and Governance Studies at Addis Ababa University, successfully hosted a pivotal hybrid event in Cape Town, South Africa. This event, titled “Elevating the Debate and Catalyzing Action: Towards a Pan-African Network of Decentralization Advocates,” was a key highlight of the 4th African School of Decentralization, which focused on the overarching theme of “Decentralization and Human Rights.”
Event Highlights
The session built upon the momentum generated by the Pan-African Workshop on Decentralization & Multi-Level Governance in Africa, held in Nairobi in May 2024. The Nairobi workshop, co-organized by the Local Public Sector Alliance (LPSA), Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee (IGRTC), Dullah Omar Institute (DOI), East African County and Local Governments Association (EACLGA), and the Institute of Local Government Studies Ghana, set the stage for this follow-up event in Cape Town.
The meeting gathered delegates from across Africa, including policymakers, academics, development partners, and practitioners, to continue the conversation on advancing decentralization and localization on the continent. The discussions revolved around practical strategies to strengthen subnational governance institutions and foster inclusive, effective governance structures.
Participants explored key mechanisms for:
- Building a Pan-African Network of Decentralization Advocates: This included a call for a united platform where knowledge sharing, capacity building, and evidence-informed advocacy could be sustained.
- Knowledge Development & Policy Advocacy: Discussions centered on how to develop and share insights that inform policy decisions at the national, subnational, and community levels.
- Collaborative Action: Delegates committed to working together to enhance decentralization efforts that align with broader human rights principles and inclusive development.
Outcomes & Next Steps
One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the consensus to build a Pan-African Network of Decentralization Advocates. This network will serve as a platform for ongoing engagement, ensuring that stakeholders from across Africa can continue to exchange knowledge and advocate for reforms that empower local governments.
The event also emphasized the need for:
- Sustained engagement among regional and continental partners.
- Increased advocacy for inclusive decentralization policies.
- The creation of platforms for knowledge dissemination to inform decision-makers and communities.
Looking Ahead
The call for a strong Pan-African Network reflects a growing recognition that decentralization is critical for advancing human rights, local governance, and community development. By leveraging the collective knowledge and resources of diverse stakeholders, the network aims to elevate the decentralization debate and push for more effective and accountable local governance systems across Africa.
The African School of Decentralization and its partners remain committed to supporting this effort and look forward to future collaborations aimed at promoting inclusive, decentralized governance.
A video of the meeting is available on YouTube. The links below provide access to the video segments of the different agenda items.
| Agenda Item | Contributor |
| 1. Welcoming Remarks | Jaap de Visser Co-Chair, Sub-Saharan Africa Working Group |
| 2. Introduction to LPSA | Jamie Boex Executive Director, LPSA |
| 3. Introduction to Sub-Saharan Africa Working Group | Kah Walla Co-Chair, Sub-Saharan Africa Working Group. |
| 4.Report back from May | Paddy Siyanga Knudsen Sub-Saharan Africa Working Group |
| 5. PANDA’s Ambition: Future Vision & Activities | Judy Oduma Co-Chair, Sub-Saharan Africa Working Group |
| 6. Available Support: How can you help? | Judy Oduma Co-Chair, Sub-Saharan Africa Working Group. |
| 7. Participant Engagement: How can Panda benefit you? | Jaap de Visser Co-Chair, Sub-Saharan Africa Working Group. |
