Short Abstract

This panel seeks to challenge the supposed universality of governance models in favor of a pluriversal and adaptive understanding. We invite papers discussing sustainable governance formats (in terms of durability, affordability, and inclusiveness) within delimited policy fields.

Long Abstract

Far too often presciptive models of governance - imported from the OECD world – have been applied to the African continent, however, with rather limited impact seen at later stages. A number of recurrent pifalls can be observed, including ignorance of scalarity aspects and of the multifäceted nature of sustainability: 1. Sustainable governance is meant to include more than just government actors – a principle that is claimed, but frequently overlooked in practice (with little regard to non-state actor groups which may have particular relevance to Africa: organised women’s groups, pressure groups and other grassroots movements, traditional authorities etc.). 2. What sounds sensible on a national level may not work at a local or a transnational level (or vice-versa; the limited capacities of the post-colonial state necessitates refocusing on the multi-level nature of governance), 3. Durability, affordability and inclusiveness are all preconditions of effectiveness and legitimacy – however, frequently only one of those facets are adressed, 4. African experiences (past) and expectations (future) are key to understand vectors and obstacles for sustainable governance.

Submissions should ideally focus on one of those four challenges and provide illustrations and analysis for a delimited policy field (e.g. urban governance, peacebuilding, mining, disaster prevention etc.). We are not seeking abstract conceptual papers; instead both single case studies and comparative analyses are welcome. We ultimately aim at demystifying universal solutions by promoting a pluriversal, adaptive understanding of sustainable governance through an African lens.

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