Strengthening public sector skills in Africa : the role of NEPAD

Abstract

In the first section, the article attempts to give a brief explanation of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) initiative as a framework, a concept, a philosophy and a programme of action. The second part outlines in some detail the capacity development strategies of NEPAD in general and the need for strengthening the overall skills of the African public sector in particular. The article identifies some major conditions that would bring about effectiveness and efficiency in the implementation of the NEPAD pan-African capacity development strategy. Some recommendations are made in the form of possible implementation techniques and new approaches that could enhance the process. Conclusions were drawn on the need for strengthening Africa’s public sector skills as a precondition for a successful implementation of key components of the NEPAD initiative.