Morocco calls for transformative public sector reform at African Ministerial Forum

The Minister of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, Amal Falah Seghrouchni has issued a compelling call for pan-African collaboration to modernize public governance during her opening address at the 16th African Ministerial Forum. The high-level gathering, held alongside the 60th Board Session of the African Training and Research Centre in Administration for Development (CAFRAD) on July 15, brought together policymakers from across the continent to address urgent administrative reforms. 

Minister Seghrouchni presented a stark assessment of Africa's progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, noting less than 6% are on track, while highlighting digital transformation as a catalyst for systemic change. "Our continent's human capital potential remains untapped due to outdated governance models," she stated, advocating for CAFRAD's evolution into an African leadership school focused on innovation, digital tools, and sustainable finance. 

The forum spotlighted successful case studies from Morocco's administrative modernization program, including digital service platforms that have reduced bureaucratic processing times by 70% in pilot ministries. Participants examined how similar reforms could be adapted across African contexts, with special sessions on e-governance implementation challenges in resource-constrained environments. 

CAFRAD Director General, Kofi Dieu Donny Assoufi outlined plans to establish a continental competency framework for public servants, incorporating emerging skills in data governance and AI-enabled service delivery. The Rabat discussions will directly inform the African Union's Public Service Innovation Strategy 2026-2030, which seeks to harmonize administrative modernization efforts across member states. 

By:  Kanto Kai Okanta