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ePaper created 2015-12-01, 11:32:17 | version 1.43.00
IN FOCUS 27akzente 2/15 Transparency is vital A commentary by Fatuma Ndangiza PROFILE FATUMA NDANGIZA, former Rwandan Ambas- sador to Tanzania, is Deputy Chairperson of the Panel of Eminent Persons established by the African Peer Review Mechanism, which pro- motes good governance in Africa. A frica is a resource-rich continent and home to oil, diamond, gold, timber, name it. However, depending on the way these natural resources are managed, to some countries, specifically those that lack transparent governance, the wealth has turned into a curse. While to the countries that practice transparent and effective gov- ernance like Botswana, their wealth has been a source of citizens’ well-being. Transparency and accountability are twin concepts and important pillars to demo- cratic governance and socio-economic trans- formation in Africa. Development is about getting politics right and transparent and ac- countable governance fosters citizen partici pation, service delivery, effective functioning of the economy, inclusive growth and also conflict prevention. This explains why gov- ernance matters when it comes to resource management. If governance means the exer- cise of authority in managing resources of a given country, then good governance is about making sure that this exercise of power helps improve the quality of life enjoyed by all cit- izens. Africa’s story of the past decade has been a tale of high economic growth, with an aver- age GDP growth rate of 5.4 per cent. About 35 per cent of Africans are now considered middle class. This improved performance of the economy can be attributed to a number of reforms: multiparty elections are now firmly established across the continent and many countries are holding elections that are largely credible. We have also seen the trans- formation of the Organization of African Unity to the African Union. This is a major step in the evolution towards achieving the ideals of Pan-Africanism and African leaders being more responsive to domestic account- ability and embracing good governance as an enabler to sustainable peace. We have also seen the establishment of adequate legal frameworks, such as anti-cor- ruption and money laundering laws, in a good number of countries. In addition, many have improved their financial management systems, have introduced tax regulations and do practice greater fiscal and budget transpar- ency. And these are but a few examples of the progress achieved lately. However, the beautiful narrative of ‘Africa rising’ comes with a number of chal- lenges: our high economic growth rates must translate into high levels of poverty reduction. The young people must get jobs to become real drivers of economic development. And the democratic governance which is taking root in our countries has to be supported by effective, transparent and well-functioning institutions as for instance promoted by the African Peer Review Mechanism to which 35 countries have voluntarily acceded by now in order to observe each other. For the continent to be at peace with it- self requires more than the absence of war. It requires embracing respect for human rights and constitutionalism, effective resource management and accountable governance. Our resources must be a source of wealth for citizens and not a resource curse. Africa has undoubtedly made significant progress, but more needs to be done to stem the loss of revenues through tax evasion, il- legal transfers of profits and money launder- ing. Greater transparency in governance as well as citizens’ participation are essential for Africa to consolidate the gains of the last two decades and to continue on the positive growth path it has entered so well. PHoto:GettyImages/MlennyPhotography(Page26),ILLUSTRATION:ELLIOTBEAUMONT(page27)