How to build trust and capabilities for effective governance in Africa

How to build trust and capabilities for effective governance in Africa

From Afronomics by World Bank Group

September 26, 2025 · 52 min · Season 1 · Episode 24

About this episode

Dr. Ken Opalo discusses the challenges of governance in Africa and the need for rebuilding trust through effective service delivery.

In this episode of  Afronomics , host Andrew Dabalen speaks with Dr. Ken Opalo, a leading scholar on African political economy and governance. Opalo, an associate professor at Georgetown University and author of  Legislative Development in Africa.  Dr. Opalo shares sharp insights on the rise of public protests, the limits of electoral democracy, and the urgent need for African governments to rebuild trust through better service delivery and inclusive growth. The conversation explores bold ideas for reform, including stronger political institutions, elite consensus, and homegrown development strategies. For more on the topic of service delivery in Africa, you can turn to our recent report:  CPIA Africa: Better Policies for Service Delivery .

People in this episode

Host: Andrew Dabalen

Guest: Dr Ken Opalo

Topics covered

  • governance
  • trust
  • service delivery
  • political economy
  • public protests

Keywords

  • electoral democracy
  • political institutions
  • elite consensus
  • homegrown development

Mentioned in this episode

Products: CPIA Africa: Better Policies for Service Delivery

Books & works: Afronomics, Legislative Development in Africa, CPIA Africa: Better Policies for Service Delivery

Places: Africa

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