Description:
This overall picture of decentralization
and local democracy in African countries shows significant
progress at the strictly institutional level. No country now
publicly opposes the implementation of decentralization
policies. Local governments exist in all countries, and
elections are held to elect local authorities. The extent of
such progress must, however, be set against a number of
persistent obstacles that continue to hinder a real
progression of decentralization in Africa. Difficulties
remain within states concerning the transfer of financial
resources needed to match the devolved responsibilities.
Local governments also face difficulties in increasing their
own resources (aside from state-transfers and grants) at a
faster pace. Ensuring the availability of qualified human
resources at the local level and improving public access to
local services are also fundamental issues of concern.