The Commission for Africa called on UK local authorities to help boost transparent and democratic management in their African counterparts at the launch of their report in Scotland.

The Scottish launch of its report was organised by the UK Local Government Alliance for International Development. Speaking at the launch, Secretariat member Ian Richards asked local authorities to help build Africa’s capacity by improving local authority staff training and development systems.

“Capacity building and accountability are at the core of governance problems in many parts of Africa,” he said. “There is a distinct lack of capacity among local authorities. They have problems in recruiting skilled staff and in keeping them equipped and motivated to do their jobs.”

Over 270 British and African delegates endorsed the Commission’s recommendations and agreed the next steps to help build the capacity of skilled public servants and managers at the local level. These include setting up a pan-African and UK local government implementation group and improving links with the New Partnership for African Development and the African Union.

Paul Taylor from UN Habitat said that the report highlighted the global importance of international development work. “The Commission provides us, Africans and all our friends, with an important opportunity to help stop the exploitation and deterioration of our cities and towns,” he said. “It is in our common interest to help develop local democracy in Africa for the benefit of its people and the rest of the world.”

John Otekat, from the Uganda Local Government Association, said that good intentions weren’t enough. “I urge all African delegates to return to their countries and lobby governments to action the report,” he said.

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