The Chamber for Local Governance (ChaLoG) is a duly registered International Local Governance Think Tank that works to develop and strengthen the institutional, financial and human resource capacities of local government institutions, with the aim to achieve poverty reduction among local citizens through improved social service delivery and governance reform (integrity and anti-corruption).
The development of the institutional capacities of local governments is geared towards: increased administrative efficiency; developing adequate skills and expertise; maximizing staff motivation; waging an effective war against corruption; and employing modern management techniques. ChaLoG consciously works to support local government institutions in Africa to minimize the impact of central government interference and control in the administration of local authorities, stimulate citizens’ interest and participation (social accountability) as well as enhancing local government accountability and transparency.
ChaLoG engages in the use of strong lobbying and advocacy tools to ensure local government institutions become strong, both financially and functionally, and is managed efficiently, effectively and productively leading to cost-effective and efficient public service delivery aimed at citizens participation and social accountability.
ChaLoG unifies and creates a common platform for countries within the West African Sub Region that are fully or partially practicing decentralization through local government institutions as well making a strong case for countries that have not fully adopted decentralisation as a way devolving power to the local communities to carefully consider the merits of having a fully functional local government system and adopt it.
What is of special interest to ChaLoG is that, together the countries in Africa shall practice a uniform regime of internationally accepted local government systems and achieve local government integration through sister city relationships and twinning opportunities to share best practices. We particularly prioritize the promotion of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in local government institutions in Africa.
ChaLoG has also identified a number of problems in Africa relating to the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of local government service delivery as well as pervasive corruption, which needs a carefully thought through and concerted approach that will culminate into the unification and standardisation of local government systems in Africa.
Mission
To empower local governments in Africa by promoting transparency, accountability, effective management and helping create local level capacity, thereby driving sustainable development and inclusive growth.
Vision
An African continent, where local governments operate with integrity, efficiency, and citizen engagement, ensuring equitable service delivery and fostering trust in public institutions.
Strategic Objectives
-
To promote integrity and anti-corruption in the administration and management of local government institutions
-
To enhance the identity, image and organisational culture of local government institutions
-
To develop the human resource and institutional capacities of local government institutions to deliver cost effective and efficient public service delivery
-
To improve the financial viability and sustainability of local government institutions
-
To encourage regional integration of local governments in Africa through twinning and sister city relationships
-
To provide technical and advisory assistance to central governments to formulate local government policies and programmes
-
To solicit and secure funding to support and assist local government institutions undertake key projects and programmes
-
To strengthen network and collaboration with development partners and other relevant stakeholders to optimise responsiveness of the mandate of local government institutions.
