Issue 21: November-December 2002

Have African reforms made
for better government?

A new book from UNU Press examines the extent to which government reforms undertaken in sub-Saharan Africa in recent years have enhanced institutional capacities. Reforming Africa's Institutions: Ownership, Incentives and Capabilities also investigates to what extent have reforms been internalized and defended by governments.

The book is the result of a two-year research project on Institutional Capabilities, Reform Ownership and  Development in Sub-Saharan Africa undertaken by UNU World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU/WIDER) in 2000-2001. Editor is Steve Kayizzi-Mugerwa, who directed the WIDER research project.

Every African country attempted public sector reforms in the 1990s. Governments no longer see themselves as sole suppliers of social services, frequently opting for partnerships with the private sector. Efficiency and choice have entered the language of the planning and implementation units of Africa's line ministries, while privatization is no longer the controversial subject it was a decade ago. There have also been moves towards more open and democratic governments.

Steve Kayizzi-Mugerwa

In Reforming Africa's Insitutions, the authors look specifically at the impact of public sector reforms on these economies and pose the question whether 'ownership' can be attained when countries continue to be heavily dependent on external support.

Dr. Kayizzi-Mugera has undertaken research on many African countries and published widely on issues related to growth, economic adjustment, and poverty reduction. Formerly Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Gothenburg and research fellow at WIDER, he is now attached to the IMF's Independent Evaluation Office in Washington, DC. 

MORE INFORMATION

Home

Copyright © 2002  United Nations University. All rights reserved.