Allexer Namundjembo
Prime minister Elijah Ngurare has called on African governments to build ethical, technology-driven and people-centred public services capable of improving service delivery, creating jobs and driving economic growth across the continent.
Ngurare made the remarks during the African Management Development Institutes Network (AMDIN) Conference hosted by the Namibia Institute of Public Administration and Management (Nipam) in Windhoek under the theme “Transformative Public Service Leadership for Sustainable Development and Inclusive Growth in Africa”.
Ngurare said governments are operating in a rapidly changing environment shaped by climate pressures, economic uncertainty, technological change and growing public expectations.
“We meet at a critical juncture in our continent’s development journey, when the demands on the public service are increasing in complexity, urgency and scope,” he said.
Ngurare said African governments must reform public institutions to improve people’s living conditions and strengthen accountability.
“Africa’s development trajectory demands leaders who are not only competent but also principled leaders who understand that public office is a sacred trust and should never be a source of self-enrichment,” he said.
He said governments must strengthen oversight systems, improve transparency and build performance-driven public institutions.
“Citizens must be able to trust that public resources are managed responsibly, decisions are made transparently, and leaders are answerable for outcomes,” Ngurare said.
He also stressed the growing importance of digital transformation and artificial intelligence in public administration.
“Digital transformation and artificial intelligence are no longer optional tools, they are essential enablers of modern public administration,” he said.
However, he cautioned that technology should not replace human judgement and leadership.
“We should always keep in mind that human intelligence remains the most dominant intelligence ever created. No other intelligence can replace it,” Ngurare said.
He urged African countries to develop their own technology industries and digital systems instead of depending entirely on foreign platforms.
“Nothing stops us from developing our own hardware, such as computers, laptops, and smartphones, our own software, and social media applications for Africa by Africans,” he said.
Ngurare also described Africa’s youthful population as a major opportunity for economic growth and public sector renewal.
“70% of that figure is the youth. That, in itself, is a statement we must not take lightly,” he said.
He said governments must create opportunities for young people, women and vulnerable communities to participate in leadership and development processes.
“Our rich mineral resources must be processed here and exported as finished products to add value and create jobs,” he said.
He criticised the continued economic imbalance between Africa and developed countries.
“How many Africans must drown to death crossing the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe because it’s deemed better there?” he asked.
Ngurare further urged African countries to strengthen regional cooperation in addressing challenges such as climate change, migration, public health and economic development.
“No single country can address them in isolation,” he said.
He urged delegates to focus on implementation and practical results.
Meanwhile, minister of gender equality and child welfare Emma Kantema called on African governments to strengthen ethical leadership, inclusive governance and innovation in public service delivery.
“Our citizens are asking hard questions, and rightly so. They want services that work. They want institutions they can trust,” she said during the gala dinner of the AMDIN conference at Nipam on Tuesday evening.
Kantema said ethical leadership and strong institutions remain important for restoring public trust.
“Technology must help us, not replace our humanity,” she said.
She also stressed the need to empower young people and include women, persons with disabilities and vulnerable communities in governance and development.
“Africa is a young continent, energetic, creative and full of possibility,” Kantema said.
Discussions at the conference focused on governance reform, innovation, digital transformation and the future of public administration in Africa.
