In recent years, francophone Africa has witnessed new demands for reforms on governance and anti-corruption. Connected through networks of activists and experts in other parts of the continent, civil society in the francophone countries is becoming more engaged and is demanding better outcomes from governments. Activists and governments alike are increasingly working across borders to find support and solutions that have worked in other parts of the developing world. The World Bank is adapting its regional approaches and country strategies to respond to this changing environment.  The BBL examined recent initiatives in francophone Africa and some of the ways these countries are engaging to address governance and anti-corruption. The group looked at the lessons learned from regional initiatives such as the anti-corruption observatory in Central Africa (OLCAC) started in Kinshasa and Brazzaville , 2006, and the caucus of African participants convened at the conference on improving governance and fighting corruption in Brussels , 2007. Discussants from Bangui , Central African Republic and Kinshasa , Democratic Republic of Congo put forth their ideas on how to improve governance and strengthen civil society in Francophone Africa.
Mark Nelson of WBI moderated the event and introduced the theme. He spoke about the growing evidence of the success of peer-to-peer learning. Ntal Alimasi of WBI spoke about the OLCAC initiative, which has been created to promote integrity in governance and ensure sustainable development in Africa . Firmin Feindiro, the Chief Prosecutor of the Central African Republic then spoke about the observatory of anti-corruption and the regional action plans for OLCAC. He provided a brief status update about the organization and outlined the future plans and the requirements for OLCAC to grow and be effective.  Han Fraeters of WBI spoke about networks, technologies and communities of practice. He emphasized the importance of putting people and purpose ahead of the platform on which dialogue occurs. Marie-Chantal Uwanyiligira from the African region spoke about the Bank’s initiatives for promoting good governance and its role in the Country Assistance Strategies in Francophone Africa. A lively discussion followed with discussants from various civil society groups and the UNDP stressing the need for better coordination and harmonization among donors.
In summing up, the moderator pointed out that most of the presentations had focused on six important themes: The importance of ownership, commitment and leadership. There is no substitute. Sustainability: The need to ensure that any effort fits within the framework of the overall development strategy. Scale: Many institutions start with very big ambitions. In this case, OLCAC had to start small, at the national level and slowly scale up to the regional level. Technical support: It is important to development partners to provide programmatic support for the long term, with well defined indicators to mark achievement of key milestones on the path to development. The importance for donor coordination to ensure aid effectiveness and avoid duplication of efforts. Work closely with new donors like China to ensure support fits within the good governance framework.
Presentations and Relevant Documents: Introduction: Mark Nelson Fostering cross-border linkages: lessons learned: Ntal Alimasi The observatory of anti-corruption: Firmin Feindiro Networks, technologies and communities of practice: Han Fraeters Governance and anti-corruption initiatives and operations: Marie-Chantal Uwanyiligira For more information please contact Ntal Alimasi at Nalimasi@worldbank.orgor Ajay Tejasvi at anarasimhan@worldbank.org |
