The creation of an African Governance Architecture and

The creation of an “African Governance Architecture” and an “African Governance Platform What does it mean in practice and why is it important for the EU (and you)? EC Seminar on Governance Brussels 8 July 2011

Why such an “African Governance Architecture”? • Lots of African governance initiatives at different levels but unknown/disconnected • Within African Union several Organs dealing with governance, but also disconnected • Regional Economic Communities (RECs) more and more doing governance CACOPHONY NEED FOR RATIONALISATION (example of African Peace and Security Architecture)

What is the African Governance Architecture? AFRICAN ARCHITECTURE = OVERALL POLITICAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE PROMOTION OF GOVERNANCE AT CONTINENTAL LEVEL

AFRICAN UNION AU Policy Organs (Assembly, Ex. Council, PRC, etc. ) AUC AU Executive Organs (PSC, ACHPR, etc. ) RECS AS THE PILLARS OF THE AU AU MEMBER STATES PAP ECOSOCC

The African Governance Architecture : A house with several rooms (pillars) AU GENERAL ASSEMBLY INP UT VISION AGENDA NORMS INSTITUTIONS AND ACTORS RECs Member States S PROCESSES (Platform)

Potential added value 1) Reducing huge fragmentation 2) Enhancing coordination/complementarity 3) Articulating four layers of governance (continental, regional, national, local) 4) Greater impact (e. g. compliance) 5) Common governance agendas (‘speaking with one voice’ within Africa, with development partners and in global fora) 6) Reinforcement AUC

The African Governance Architecture Work in Progress

CONSOLIDATING THE AGA … MEANS STRENGTHENING EACH OF THE PILLARS OF THE ARCHITECTURE

What are the main objectives of the Platform? - Organise systematic exchange of information on ‘who is doing what’ on governance Build effective synergies and complementarities between the various institutional governance actors and their respective mandates Provide a forum for dialogue on how to strengthen AGA (including selection of core thematic priorities) Take stock of good practices Monitor effective implementation, progress achieved as well compliance Improve accountability

Four examples 1) Active promotion of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance 2) Pushing for compliance of norms (Bamako seminar, May 2011) 3) Thinking through second generation of APRM in the African platform 4) Preparing the dialogue with EU (JAES)

What does it mean for EU (and for you? ) • AGA is still very young and fragile but has potential (could use smart capacity support) • African agendas and processes on governance can facilitate/support EU efforts in the area • Towards more effective dialogue and joint action on governance?