The OECD Africa Governance Platform

Evolving global challenges have highlighted the critical role of strong public institutions in delivering inclusive, sustainable prosperity and reinforcing trust in government.  

Several African countries are particularly affected, facing slowed economic growth, limited gains in per capita GDP, tighter financial conditions, and disproportionate  climate impacts. With Africa’s population projected to double by 2050, pressure on public services such as housing, education, and healthcare is also intensifying. 

At the same time, Africa holds strong potential to drive sustainable and inclusive prosperity, as recognised in the African Union’s Agenda 2063.  Africa is home to some of the world’s fastest-growing economies, vast natural resources essential for the green transition, and a young population that represents a major demographic asset. In this context, stronger public institutions and enhanced accountability, transparency and inclusion are strategic priorities for African countries.  

The AGP was launched in response to joint calls from African Partners and OECD Members to deepen co-operation on public governance in support of these ambitions. It builds on the OECD-Africa Partnership (2022) and a Memorandum of Understanding with the African Union Commission (2023). 

There is a strong collective commitment across African countries to strengthening institutions and promoting public integrity, accountability and participation in decision-making.  

Despite progress made, evidence shows that efforts must be accelerated, as reflected in the current trajectory on relevant targets under SDG16 on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. Progress remains uneven, and many governments continue to face considerable challenges in ensuring that public administrations are efficient, responsive, and capable of delivering with openness, integrity, and fairness.  

The AGP adopts a demand-driven approach to support African countries in tackling these governance challenges, focusing on advancing shared priorities and enabling the implementation of impactful national reforms.  

The AGP contributes to regional and international priorities for public governance reform and inclusive development. It aligns with national reform priorities across the continent and with targets under Agenda 2063 and 2030, as well as ongoing initiatives led by multilateral and regional partners.

The Platform fosters South-South, North-South and triangular co-operation, providing a space for countries to share experiences and co-develop solutions to common challenges. It draws on the evidence, good practices, legal instruments, networks and strategic priorities of relevant OECD Committees, as well as over 20 years of experience from the MENA-OECD Governance Programme.

• Public administration modernisation and greening 
• Professionalisation of the public service 
• Human-centred public service delivery
• Policy coherence and institutional co-ordination  
• Digital and data-driven governance
• Inclusive, participatory and accountable governance  
• Integrity, anti-corruption and transparency 
• Gender equality and youth empowerment 
• Access to justice
• Local governance strengthening 

• OECD Africa Governance Platform's Advisory Group Meeting (16 June 2025, virtual). 

• Policy dialogue “Advancing policy coherence and government reforms for more inclusive, effective, digital and green governance” in collaboration with the African Capacity Building Foundation (5-6 May 2025, Accra, Ghana). 
• Launch of the OECD Africa Governance Platform (21-22 October 2024, Milan, Italy). 
• High-Level Forum “Towards more inclusive public governance and sustainable development in Africa and MENA” (6-7 May 2024, Caserta, Italy).  
• High-Level Roundtable and Policy Dialogue “Build, Reinforce and Protect: Empowering Resilience of Public Institutions in an Era of Multiple Crises” (27-28 November 2023, Caserta, Italy).