Lydia Akanvariba, the Minister of State-designate for Public Sector Reforms and Member of Parliament for Tempane, appeared before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, February 24, 2024, to outline her vision for the ministry and respond to questions regarding her qualifications and plans for the public sector. Ms. Akanvariba emphasized her commitment to strengthening the existing framework of the public sector, aligning it more closely with government priorities, and ultimately enhancing its efficiency. She acknowledged the work of previous administrations, indicating her intention to build upon the foundations already laid while addressing areas requiring further development. This commitment comes at a critical juncture, with increasing public demand for greater accountability and efficiency within the public sector, particularly in light of a recent 10% base pay increase.
Ms. Akanvariba’s primary focus will be on optimizing the public sector’s performance to better serve the needs of the citizenry and contribute effectively to national development goals. This involves a comprehensive approach encompassing several key areas. She intends to review existing policies and procedures, identifying any bottlenecks or inefficiencies that hinder optimal performance. Furthermore, she plans to streamline processes to reduce bureaucratic hurdles, eliminate redundancies, and promote quicker decision-making. By improving the efficiency of internal operations, the public sector can deliver services more effectively and respond more promptly to public needs.
A critical aspect of Ms. Akanvariba’s plan involves strengthening the capacity of public sector employees. Recognizing that a well-trained and motivated workforce is essential for a high-performing public sector, she intends to prioritize training and development initiatives. These initiatives will focus on equipping public servants with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively discharge their duties in a rapidly evolving environment. In addition to technical skills, the training will emphasize ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability, fostering a culture of integrity and professionalism within the public sector.
Ms. Akanvariba also highlighted the importance of leveraging technology to modernize public sector operations. She envisions a digitally transformed public sector, where technology is used to automate processes, improve service delivery, and enhance transparency. This includes implementing digital platforms for citizen engagement, online service portals, and data-driven decision-making tools. By embracing technology, the public sector can become more accessible, responsive, and efficient in its operations. This digital transformation will also play a crucial role in promoting transparency and accountability, as digital systems can track performance metrics and provide data for evidence-based policymaking.
Another key area of focus for the Minister-designate is enhancing collaboration and communication within the public sector. She believes that breaking down silos between different government agencies and fostering a culture of open communication is essential for effective governance. This will involve establishing mechanisms for inter-agency coordination, information sharing, and joint problem-solving. By improving communication and collaboration, government agencies can work together more effectively to achieve common goals and deliver seamless services to the public.
Ms. Akanvariba acknowledged that achieving these ambitious goals requires not only strategic planning but also sustained effort and collaboration with various stakeholders. She conveyed her commitment to engaging with public sector employees, civil society organizations, and the public at large to gather feedback, address concerns, and build consensus around reform initiatives. She believes that a participatory approach to reform is essential for ensuring that the changes implemented are sustainable and truly beneficial to the citizens they are intended to serve. This collaborative approach also aims to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among all stakeholders, contributing to the long-term success of the public sector reforms. The overarching objective is to build a public sector that is responsive, efficient, transparent, and accountable, ultimately contributing to national development and improving the lives of all citizens.
