African School on Decentralisation 2025

ASD Applications for 2025 are open!

Course Description

The theme for the Fifth African School on Decentralisation (ASD) is ‘Decentralisation and Finances’. The 2025 ASD will focus on how decentralization governance in Africa is financed, and on the systems and rules for the prudent use of public finances at decentralized level.

2025 ASD will cover themes such as –

• the financing of local governments, counties, provinces, states etc. in Africa, including own revenue, revenue sharing, intergovernmental transfers, and alternative sources of financing;
• public finance management at decentralized level in Africa, including budgeting, expenditure controls, procurement, and anti-corruption measures;
• intergovernmental fiscal relations in Africa, including mechanisms to determine intergovernmental financing, integrated planning and budgeting, and the intergovernmental supervision and control of decentralized entities.

The course will be offered in Cape Town, South Africa. It will be presented by leading experts who will bring regional and international comparative perspectives. The course includes lectures, interactive discussions, case studies and a study visit. 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. Participation also offers entry into a Pan-African Network of decentralization practitioners. The ultimate goal is to advance good governance in local government in Africa.

Costs for the 2025 Course
The organizers –

• waive tuition fees for the 2025 ASD
• cover the costs of organizing the 2025 ASD
• partially cover the cost of accommodation and meals for the duration of the 2025 ASD (see below)

The participants cover –

• travel expenses to and from Cape Town
• a participant contribution of ZAR 18 000 towards (shared) accommodation and meals
• visa fees
• health and travel insurance
• personal travel expenses within Cape Town
• personal expenses during your stay in Cape Town
• any upgrades to a single room
• any local travel within your country of residence

Accommodation will be shared (2 persons per room). Depending on availability, upgrades to a single room may be available at your own cost.

Location
This year’s African School on Decentralization will take place at two venues around Cape Town, South Africa. The first week will be at a hotel in the Cape Town area. The second week will be held at the Mont Fleur Conference Venue (www.montfleur.co.za). Both venues ensure comfortable accommodation, so that participants can focus on the Course and enjoy a pleasant stay.

Language
The working language will be English.

Assessment & Certification
The ASD concludes with the issuance of a postgraduate certificate awarded, jointly by the University of the Western Cape and Addis Ababa University, to successful applicants who meet the academic assessment criteria.

Admission
Admission is open to practitioners and scholars who –

• work in or with local or regional governments in Africa;
• demonstrate how the course will amplify their impact on good local governance in Africa; and
• are proficient in English

Apply for the 2025 course
Click here to apply.

For more information, visit the ASD Website.