** Egyptian under the African objective: the ambition of leadership in public management **
In a global context where the management of public affairs and sustainable development are more than ever crucial issues, the role of Egypt on the African continent takes on a significant dimension, in particular through its commitment within the African Association of Management and Public Administration (AAPAM). During his recent meeting with a delegation from AAPAM, the Minister of Egyptian Foreign Affairs, Badr Abdelatty, stressed how this membership reflects Egypt’s commitment to strengthen public management policies and promote best practices through the continent. This speech, although emphatic, raises deeper questions about the real efficiency of these efforts in a context of contemporary challenges.
The event, which was held in the presence of key representatives such as the president of the Egyptian Central Agency for the Organization and the Administration (CAOA), Saleh El Sheikh, was an opportunity to set out ambitious objectives. The African Union (AU) itself, with its 55 Member States, plans to integrate the initiatives of AAPAM, an approach which could redefine the institutional and administrative framework of the continent. However, it is relevant to question Egypt’s real capacity to lead this initiative, given the different political and economic dynamics at stake in African countries.
From a historical point of view, Egypt has always been one of the pioneers in public policy in Africa. From the reforms of the Nasser era to contemporary changes, the country has often been a model and a reference point. However, while Minister Abdelatty evokes advances in governance and digitalization, it is interesting to compare these initiatives with those of other African nations which have also taken significant measures in matters of public administration. For example, Rwanda, known for its strong policy of digital integration and transparency, could represent a useful study case for Egypt. While technology transforms the way in which countries interact with their citizens, what role can Egypt play as a leader in this area, compared to other African models?
Recent statistics indicate that less than 30% of African countries have managed to modernize their public management using technology. This gap raises the question of the viability of Egypt’s efforts to carry out its ambitions to become a leader in this field. In addition, while Egypt is working to promote equal access to public services and the empowerment of women and young people, it would be relevant to analyze the specific measures it incorporates to guarantee a tangible effect, especially in an environment where these questions often remain prey to systemic challenges.
In a context where new generations (young Africans aged under 25 represent more than 60% of the continent’s population) are looking for employment and opportunities, the development of public management skills, as promoted by AAPAM, may well be the key to long -term success. With the master’s and doctorate scholarships put forward by AAPAM, it is essential that Egypt ensures that these programs meet market requirements, promote innovation, and do not remain simple formalities.
In the end, while Egypt is preparing to welcome the AAPAM executive committee next week, the international community – and in particular other African countries – observing its actions, this represents both a precious opportunity and a huge challenge. If the country manages to combine its ambitions to a desire for learning and cooperation with other nations, it could very well position itself as an innovative and inclusive leader in public management in Africa. However, this will require a clear vision, a series of daring reforms and the commitment to raise discourse beyond promises for tangible results on the ground.
This approach, while being criticized, could possibly serve as a model for other African countries wishing to improve their governance. The future of Egypt as a central pillar of public development in Africa is still uncertain, but a real commitment and concerted efforts may well see it transforming the challenges of today’s opportunities.
The outcome of these future dialogues and initiatives could not only redefine the landscape of public management in Africa, but also establish new standards in terms of governance and public management, a major challenge that all countries on the continent have to face.