22 July 2003
Maputo — Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano on Monday described the public sector as essential in all the implementation stages of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD).
Addressing the opening session of an "International Conference on Management, Policies and Development of the Public Sector", in Maputo, Chissano called for closer cooperation between governments, the private sector, and civil society as a means to encourage the flow of private capital to Africa, which will be essential for carrying out NEPAD projects.
"In the public sector we believe that more transparent management and more cooperation with international partners is fundamental for creating a favourable climate for foreign investment", he said.
He challenged the public sector in the developed countries to publicise investment opportunities in Africa. "Closer links and cooperation between the public and private sectors in both developed and developing economies is essential for the creation of a climate of mutual trust and to allow a smoother flow of capital", said Chissano.
He explained that the NEPAD strategy can only work through the strengthening of democratic institutions, the justice system, and mechanisms for good governance to reduce corruption.
Chissano also called for decentralization and democratization in African countries, in order to modernise the public administration, and ensure grater citizen participation in governance.
He said this meant a system of local administration where local state bodies and municipalities have a certain degree of authority, responsibility, and resources to solve problems for the development of their communities.
"States should conduct reforms in the public sector, including the establishment of functioning criteria for transparency in the state apparatus, professionalization, the promotion of professional ethics, improvements in the quality of the public service and the participation of all citizens at the various levels of governance", said Chissano.
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