African Governance Report II 2009

The African Governance Report, which is the most comprehensive report on governance in Africa, assesses and monitors the progress African countries are making on governance, identifies capacity gaps in governance institutions and proposes policies and strategic interventions aimed at promoting good governance on the continent. The report focuses on political and economic governance, development of the private sector and corporate governance, checks and balances in political power, institutional effectiveness and accountability of the executive, human rights and the rule of law, corruption and institutional capacity building. It employs a unique methodology that combines three research instruments a national expert opinion panel, a scientific household survey and desk research. The theme of this second edition of the report is that Africa has made some progress in improving governance. though modest, this progress has had positive spin-offs for the continent: declining levels of violent conflicts and civil wars consolidation of peace and security, economic growth averaging 5% in recent years, modest improvement in the living standards of the African people and fewer deaths from HIV/AIDS. Africa also continues to post remarkable progress in economic governance and public financial management. African economies are better budgetary management and a more conducive environment for private investment and private-sector growth.