Only by giving power to the people can their true needs be met, he said. There are many challenges that arise when you do this. One of the biggest is getting people to understand their full rights. Democratic decentralization can not happen without a full awareness among the entire population of civil rights and responsibilities. All three ministers said the conference had been a valuable opportunity to exchange views and experiences with colleagues from around the continent facing similar challenges.
Good governance creates an enabling environment for economic growth.
The energy generated at the event will extend far beyond the one-week meeting, said Chris Tapscott, director of the School of Government at the University of the Western Cape. The deliberations will not only provide some practical solutions to the challenges identified, it also will establish a network for an ongoing dialogue on decentralization amongst African states. While Improving the Environment Join the daily noon Press briefing from the Office of the Secretary-General.