ASD 2025

Course Description

The theme for the Fifth African School on Decentralisation (ASD) is ‘Decentralisation and Finances’. The 2025 ASD will focus on how decentralisation governance in Africa is financed, and on the systems and rules for the prudent use of public finances at decentralised level.

2025 ASD will cover themes such a –

• the financing of local governments, counties, provinces, states etc. in Africa, including own revenue, revenue sharing, intergovernmental transfers, and alternative sources of financing;
• public finance management at decentralised level in Africa, including budgeting, expenditure controls, procurement, and anti-corruption measures
• intergovernmental fiscal relations in Africa, including mechanisms to determine intergovernmental financing, integrated planning and budgeting, and the intergovernmental supervision and control of decentralised entities.

The course will be offered in Cape Town, South Africa. It will be presented by leading experts who will bring regional and international comparative perspectives. The course includes lectures, interactive discussions, case studies and a study visit. It offers a platform in which African practitioners, academics and activists can be educated and encouraged to innovate and experiment, and to learn from one another in order to address the challenges in the implementation of decentralisation. Participation also offers entry into a Pan-African Network of decentralisation practitioners. The ultimate goal is to advance good governance in local government in Africa.

Costs for the 2025 Course

The organisers –

• waive tuition fees for the 2025 ASD
• cover the costs of organising the 2025 ASD
• partially cover the cost of accommodation and meals for the duration of the 2025 ASD (see below)

The participants cover –

• travel expenses to and from Cape Town
• a participant contribution of ZAR 18 000 towards (shared) accommodation and meals
• visa fees
• health and travel insurance
• personal travel expenses within Cape Town
• personal expenses during your stay in Cape Town
• any upgrades to a single room
• any local travel within your country of residence

Accommodation will be shared (2 persons per room). Depending on availability, upgrades to a single room may be available at your own cost.

Location 

This year's African School on Decentralisation will take place in Cape Town, South Africa.

Key Dates

We shall have an information Webinar on the application process on Monday, 19 May 2024, 3:00pm – 4:00pm (SAST).

Click here to register for the Webinar.

Language

The working language will be English.

Assessment & Certification

The ASD concludes with the issuance of a postgraduate certificate awarded, jointly by the University of the Western Cape and Addis Ababa University, to successful applicants who meet the academic assessment criteria.

Admission

Admission is open to practitioners and scholars who –

• work in or with local or regional governments in Africa;
• demonstrate how the course will amplify their impact on good local governance in Africa; and
• are proficient in English

Apply for the 2025 course

Click here to apply.