As Africa continues to strive towards
sustainable development, the need for citizen
engagement and participation in governance
and policy development processes cannot
be overstated. Citizens are the ultimate
beneficiaries of government policies, and
their active input in policy development and
implementation processes is critical to ensuring
the effectiveness, legitimacy, and sustainability
of such policies.
At the heart of Agenda 2063’s vision for an
integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa, is
the active participation of its citizens in shaping
their future. However, despite the recognition
of the importance of citizen engagement in
governance and policy development processes,
efforts to facilitate such engagement have
often been limited and fragmented. Only 19% of
Africans believe they have a say in their country’s political leadership, while only 28% believe that
their government is run for the benefit of all people1
.
This handbook, therefore, is a timely and relevant resource in support of AU Organs, RECs, and
Member States in developing their capacity to conduct citizen engagement processes much more
constructively. It offers a comprehensive and practical guide to enhancing citizen engagement
and participation in governance and policy development processes in Africa which is particularly
important as we commence the Implementation of the Second Ten Year Implementation Plan of the
Agenda 2063 in line with regional and National Development Plans.
Drawing from experiences across the continent, the handbook provides practical and actionable
steps towards promoting inclusivity, transparency, and accountability in governance processes by
sharing innovative approaches to effective citizen engagement.
It builds on ongoing approaches and aims to guide users through the practical steps they can take to
improve citizen engagement.
We must recognize that citizen-centered governance is not only a moral obligation but also a strategic
imperative for sustainable development. By empowering citizens to have a voice, we can harness
their knowledge, skills, and creativity towards addressing the challenges facing our continent. I
am confident that this handbook will equip African leaders with the necessary tools for creating a
conducive environment for citizen engagement and driving Africa’s development agenda forward.