The World Bank’s 2024 Country Policy and Institutional Assessment (CPIA) for Sub-Saharan Africa paints a complex picture of the region’s development trajectory. While acknowledging some positive strides in fiscal management and digital adoption, the report emphasizes the urgent need for governments to improve service delivery and address deep-seated governance challenges to rebuild trust with their citizens. The report highlights the growing disconnect between citizen expectations and government performance, particularly regarding essential services. This dissatisfaction, manifested in youth-led protests and declining political support for incumbents, underscores the imperative for transparent and effective governance to foster inclusive and sustainable growth.
The CPIA, which evaluates the quality of policies and institutional frameworks in countries eligible for International Development Association (IDA) support, revealed a stagnant average score of 3.1 out of 6 for the region. This plateauing performance, despite improvements in certain areas, is largely attributed to persistent weaknesses in governance. Furthermore, the gains observed were concentrated in countries already demonstrating relatively strong performance, exacerbating existing inequalities within the region. The report stresses that meeting the escalating demands of African populations for better services requires not just effective governance but also innovative resource mobilization strategies in the face of limited external financing. This underscores the need for countries to enhance domestic revenue generation and prioritize spending on crucial sectors.
The report details critical shortcomings across several sectors vital for human development and economic progress. Infrastructure deficits, particularly in transport and sanitation, continue to impede economic activity and exacerbate poverty. Limited access to quality education and healthcare undermines human capital development, hindering individuals’ ability to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the economy. Security concerns, reflected in a stark increase in conflict-related casualties over the past decade, further compound these challenges. Moreover, the inefficiency of administrative services, including business registration and financial transactions, creates a challenging environment for private sector growth, hindering job creation and economic diversification.
Despite these challenges, the CPIA report acknowledges positive developments in several areas. Many countries have demonstrated improved fiscal discipline by addressing unsustainable wage bills and phasing out costly fuel subsidies, paving the way for more efficient resource allocation. Progress has also been made in implementing trade facilitation agreements, promoting the adoption of digital technologies, and strengthening financial sector regulation. These efforts are crucial for creating a more conducive environment for investment, innovation, and economic growth. Furthermore, the report notes positive steps towards empowering adolescent girls through legal and policy reforms, as well as strengthening social safety nets to protect vulnerable populations.
However, the report cautions that these positive developments are often undermined by underlying governance weaknesses. Lack of transparency, limited implementation capacity, and pervasive corruption continue to hinder the effective delivery of essential services. Addressing these fundamental challenges is paramount, not only for achieving sustainable economic growth, but also for restoring public trust and demonstrating that governments are responsive to the needs and aspirations of their citizens. The CPIA report emphasizes that good governance is not merely a technical exercise but a fundamental prerequisite for building a more inclusive and prosperous future for Sub-Saharan Africa.
The report serves as a crucial roadmap for policymakers, international investors, and development partners. It identifies specific areas where reforms are needed to enhance public service delivery, strengthen governance, and foster a more resilient and inclusive development path. By addressing the root causes of public discontent and investing in the foundations of sustainable development, countries in Sub-Saharan Africa can unlock their immense potential and create a brighter future for their citizens. The CPIA report’s call for improved governance, enhanced service delivery, and greater transparency is not simply a call for technical adjustments but a fundamental appeal for a renewed social contract between governments and their citizens, built on trust, accountability, and shared prosperity.
