ADDIS ABABA, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Experts and policymakers have called on African countries to re-envision the role of public institutions toward fostering equitable governance by addressing historical service delivery gaps.
They made the call during the 10th African Public Service Day, held under the theme "Enhancing the Agility and Resilience of Public Institutions to Achieve Equitable Governance and Rapidly Address Historical Service Delivery Gaps," on June 21-23 at the headquarters of the African Union (AU) in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa.
Heads of African public service institutions, senior government officials, representatives of various international organizations, academics, and civil society actors underscored the vital imperative of reforming public institutions in Africa to close historical gaps and injustices. They said strengthening the agility and resilience of public institutions helps advance Africa's transformation agenda and build a more equitable future for all.
Addressing the opening session on Saturday, Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh called for collective continental resolve in building "a future where public institutions are agile, resilient, and just, while also fostering a future where service delivery brings the people into the center of governance."
Highlighting the critical role of public institutions as "the first line of trust" between citizens and their governments across various development sectors, Tiruneh emphasized the importance of enhancing the capabilities of these institutions to effectively meet the evolving needs of service delivery.
According to the AU, the theme of the high-level continental event is aligned with the overarching goal of the AU's theme for the year 2025: "Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations." It stressed that strong and adaptable public institutions are essential for tackling Africa's historical injustices and promoting long-term resilience.
Patience Chiradza, director of governance and conflict prevention at the AU Commission, said the commemorative event marks a profound milestone, recognizing the vital role of African public servants and public service institutions in the continent's future.
Emphasizing the urgent need to enhance public administration and governance in Africa, Chiradza stressed that building resilient and agile public institutions "is not only a policy imperative, but also a historical responsibility."
She added that addressing service delivery disparities in Africa that trace back to colonial legacies, gender inequalities, and systemic marginalization demands bold and inclusive reforms. ■