Africa has long been characterized as a continent of strong societies and weak states. This image suggests that, compared to an informal sector rich in networks of self-help, mutual aid, and private entrepreneurship, public sector institutions are ineffective at getting things done. As a set of formal structures imported during colonial rule, the centralized state for decades remained “suspended in mid-air” – that is, above society – with limited aptitude to address the everyday needs of ordinary Africans.
Recognizing this impediment, policy makers have often subcontracted essential public services to non-governmental entities, private businesses, or public-private partnerships. Especially where the state has collapsed, such nonstate actors often step in and assume responsibility for the provision of “public” services.
Africans are about twice as likely to report paying a bribe for police assistance (26%) as for school (15%) or medical (13%) services. If they report misconduct by schoolteachers or a crime, most Africans think it’s likely they will get “someone to take action.” But when reporting corruption, a positive outcome is widely seen as “not likely”.
Overall, Africans are more likely to see improvements than deterioration in state delivery of key public services.
CENTER FOR AFRICAN STUDIES
Center for Africa Studies (AFRAM) which located in Ankara, is an organization facilitating under the administration of African Affairs Council (AFAC). It makes various researches about Africa to enhance economic and cultural bounds between Africa and Turkey. AFRAM’s publishings has been shared with different institutions as they require to obtain.
AFRICA OBSERVATORY
Africa Observatory is one the publishing of AFRAM and it has been published each two weeks. It has been delivered to different institutions via e-mail.
