Democracy and Governance in Africa
Today, promise, potential and opportunity exist in Africa. The hope for the future is based on current experiences in many countries on the African continent. This is good news for the United States. A more prosperous, healthy and stable Africa is in America's best interest, and contributes to U.S. efforts to foster world-wide economic growth and increased trade, and to combat transnational security threats.
One good sign for the continent is that support for democracy continues to grow: civil society has become increasingly vibrant, increased freedom of the press and new communications media such as the internet have expanded public access to information, and citizens are now more aware of their basic human rights. According to Freedom House, over the last decade, the number of free democracies in Africa has more than doubled from four to 10 and more than half the countries on the continent are in the transition process. The successful 2002 elections in Kenya and the anti-corruption drive in Zambia further underscore this trend.
Development Challenges
Political stability and inclusiveness, the rule of law, and accountability in government and the private sector enhance investment and trade and promote a more equitable distribution of economic assets and access to social services. Good governance, coupled with improved economic and social development, also reduces the vulnerability and receptivity to terrorist agendas. However, despite recent democratic successes in Kenya, Zambia and post-war Sierra Leone, much more needs to be done to improve governance in the region. The entire world is watching the virtual collapse of democracy in Zimbabwe and the outbreak of violence in the Cote d'Ivoire -- potent reminders that democratization processes are still fragile.
FY2005 Program
Weaknesses in democratic governance inhibit social development and economic growth, cause civil unrest and provide fertile ground for the rise of extremist ideologies. USAID's efforts to improve democratic governance and promote increased accountability advance the national security goal of creating the conditions for peace and improved security. USAID programs promote representative political processes and institutions, the rule of law, the growth of a vibrant civil society and respect for human rights. Many USAID Missions have integrated the principles of transparency, participation and accountability throughout their development portfolios. Twelve Missions are participating in the Anti-Corruption Initiative, launched in FY 2003, which promotes public access to information, citizen awareness and advocacy, transparency and accountability of government procedures and public-private dialogue. USAID will also extend its efforts to manage and mitigate conflict, promote communit!
y reintegration and strengthen African networks to identify and respond to potential crises. In FY 2005, USAID will invest $89.5 million, or 8.7% of its program resources, in programs to strengthen democracy and governance. USAID Missions will also strengthen their linkages with the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) and the Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) to better prepare for the relief-to-development transition in countries under stress.
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