Improving local administration through decentralisation to promote citizen orientation and transparency

Project description

Title: Support of Decentralisation as a contribution to Good Governance
Commissioned by: German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)​​​​​​​
Country: Rwanda
Lead executing agency: Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC)
Overall term: 2022 to 2024

Context

In 2000 Rwanda introduced the first decentralisation reforms. These aim to transfer competencies from central government to local authorities. In this way, the Rwandan Government intends to create better conditions for stronger social cohesion, reduced poverty and improved internal stability.

However, the local authorities are often not in a position to assume greater responsibility and to deliver needs-based services to the population. The districts lack funding and implementation know-how. Local planning and budgeting is often implemented only in part. Added to this, the local administration demonstrates inadequate transparency and accountability towards the population.

Objective

Local authorities are in a better position to deliver public services in accordance with citizens' needs and priorities.

Approach

The project creates additional competencies in local government to promote needs-based, efficient and effective local development. It also promotes local development plans that pay greater attention to citizens' needs and priorities, and supports local authorities with integrating the results of joint planning into their work.

The project assists local authorities in obtaining and managing funds. Improved internal budget and financial audits by local councils reduce the risk of corruption and ensure better and more transparent accountability towards the population. Citizens also need to be more involved in municipal planning and monitoring, making use of analogue and digital applications.

Last update: September 2022