- August 10, 2025
- Posted by: admin
- Category: News
Every year on 10 August, the African Union commemorates the African Day of Decentralisation and Local Development (ADD). Established by the African Charter on the Values and Principles of Decentralisation, Local Governance and Local Development (2014), this day underscores the importance of empowering local governments, promoting grassroots participation, and fostering inclusive development across the continent.
OBJECTIVES AND RATIONALE OF THE AFRICAN DECENTRALIZATION AND LOCAL DEVELOPMENT DAY (ADD)
In June 2014, the Heads of State and Government meeting at their Summit in Malabo, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, adopted the African Charter on the Values and Principles of Decentralization, Local Governance and Local Development. This Charter is a genuine unifying instrument adopted by the leaders of African States at the highest level, with a view to encouraging the implementation of decentralized and democratic governance policies in the management of public affairs, in accordance with the stated hared fundamental values of the African Union.
The provisions of the Charter are therefore resolutely consistent with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and are framed in such a way to ensure that the policies defined at continental level have a concrete impact on the populations at the level of cities and territories.
The African Charter on the Values and Principles of Decentralization, in its article 20 paragraph 4, institutes the commemoration of the African Decentralization and Local Development Day (ADD) on 10 August each year. The celebration of the ADD by AU Member States is organized under the authority of the Sub-Committee on Decentralization and Local Governance of the African Union Specialized Technical Committee No. 8 on Public Service, Local Governments, Urban Development and Decentralization (AU-STC N8).
This requires an enabling environment for business growth often created by the national government. But the environment to put in place for the development of SMEs and their capacity to trade beyond the national boundaries of countries they operate from include also provision of basic infrastructure and services such as access to water, energy, transport and logistics services, necessary for the operations and performances of business activities. They include availability of skilled manpower for these business activities to operate effectively and efficiently. They also imply that some essential aspects of the living conditions of the people are properly addressed, among which, housing, education, health, public space, cultural, recreation or leisure activities. Most of these activities are under the responsibilities recognized or devolved to subnational or local governments.
2025 Theme:
This year’s theme is “Building resilient communities through inclusive decentralisation and equitable development.” It serves as an opportunity for AU Member States to engage stakeholders at national and local levels, share innovations, and reflect on how inclusive decentralisation contributes to Agenda 2063 goals.
AU Organ/Division Coordinating the Day
The annual celebration of the ADD is organized under the authority of the Sub‑Committee on Decentralization and Local Governance—a body within the Specialised Technical Committee of the African Union.
Summary
What: African Day of Decentralisation and Local Development, celebrated annually on 10 August.
Established by: 2014 Charter on Decentralisation, Local Governance and Local Development.
2025 Theme: Building resilient communities through inclusive decentralisation and equitable development.
