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IRI works to build the capacity of civil society organizations and government officials throughout sub-Saharan Africa in order to generate more accessible, accountable, effective, equitable, responsive and transparent local governments. Such efforts align with IRI’s overall mission of strengthening democracy and instilling greater faith in democratic systems of government.
The democratic governance program in sub-Saharan Africa focuses on six countries – Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa and Uganda and builds on IRI’s successful work in Kenya, Latin America and the Middle East. Through extensive research and assessments of local officials in the six focus countries, IRI will author case studies highlighting municipalities and officials that are models of democratic governance based on the six principles that are the cornerstone of all of IRI’s democratic governance programs. IRI will publish these case studies highlighting best practices in governance for use in the field, and will share lessons learned with local officials in order to create a foundation for greater replication of democratic models in sub-Saharan Africa.
Democratic Governance in Kenya
IRI’s work in Kenya focuses on strengthening the skills of elected officials on the local level. IRI works with political and local government actors, citizens and civil society, in order to bring government closer to its citizens, transforming government into a responsive, transparent and effective institution. IRI has also implemented an extensive training program for elected officials with its partner, the Kenya Institute of Management, on a variety of topics, including local government finance and accounting, local economic development and planning, and administrative law. IRI’s work in Kenya helps local elected officials to better meet the needs of their community.
Democratic Governance in South Africa
For more than 17 years, IRI has partnered with the South African Institute of Race Relations (SAIRR), a nonprofit research and policy organization, by supporting their Free Society Project. Through monthly and annual publications, regular contributions in the South African media, and briefings for groups in both the public and private sector, SAIRR’s Free Society Project provides measured analysis of government policy and current affairs. By offering data and views on political and economic developments, SAIRR and the Free Society Project stimulate policy debate in both the South African and foreign media, on the floor of parliament, and in the halls of government ministries.
