Promotion of the rule of law and the judiciary in Africa

Context

The rule of law, an independent, strong and transparent judiciary system and access to legal redress are the foundation on which inclusive economic growth is built. In many countries in Africa, however, few people have effective access to legal redress.

Various international agreements set out development goals in this context. Goal 16 of the 2030 Agenda, in particular, is considered authoritative: peace, justice and strong institutions. The African Union’s Agenda 2063 also provides guidance.

These goals are adapted by the Member States to the specific local context.

Objective

In Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Senegal and Tanzania, access to legal redress and sources of justice, the independence of judicial structures and the judiciary, and transparency in the judicial system have improved.

Approach

The project supports national actors in the legal field through cross-border training events and organisational and technical advisory services.

To do so, it examines how proven national concepts can be transferred to other countries to tailor them to the circumstances of the specific country and implement them there. This is largely carried out in cooperation with specialist organisations in the regions.

Part of this approach also involves adapting the legal services of the partner organisations supported by the project to the needs of vulnerable citizens. There is a particular focus on the specific legal needs of women.

Furthermore, the project contributes to improving resolution mechanisms for out-of-court disputes, especially for economic actors.

It also promotes Africa’s digital transformation by supporting digital law and jurisdiction databases.

To make court structures more transparent and independent, the project provides advisory services to support access to an ethical judiciary.

Last update: January 2023