The problem is one of institutional weakness. What is required are sustained efforts to rebuild and strengthen Africa's political institutions so as to enable them to forestall non-democratic changes in leadership and anticipate and address crises throughout the region. Sound and inclusive governance is central to creating an enabling environment for eradicating poverty. When a government does not function effectively, scarce resources are wasted. When it does not have legitimacy in the eyes of the people, it cannot meet its objectives or theirs.
Good governance demands well-functioning and accountable public and private institutions.
It requires people's empowerment and participation. It entails mobilizing social capital for development. It is a prerequisite for sustained action against poverty. The challenges facing Africa over the next decade underline the urgency of establishing peace and good governance. CIA World Facts Book useful for background information on government, political and economic details on African countries.