African citizens’ demands for jobs, reliable infrastructure, and good governance as requirements for sustainable development form part of “20 solutions” proposed to the world’s 20 largest industrialized and emerging countries (G20) in advance of their summit in July.
Based on Afrobarometer public-attitude surveys in 36 African countries, the priorities of everyday Africans are advocated in a policy brief titled “Cooperation between G20 and African states: Delivering on African citizens’ demands.” The brief is one of “20 Solution Proposals for the G20” put forward by the Think20 network of international think tanks.
The Afrobarometer policy brief cites data showing that “(a) Africans prioritize paid employment, social services, infrastructure, and food security; (b) poverty reduction is associated with access to reliable development infrastructure; and (c) beyond specific sector investments, sustainable development requires public trust in institutions built on good governance and political accountability.”
The authors argue that:
- Infrastructure investment in Africa should continue to be a key priority of G20 policies.
- Investments in employment, education, health, and (especially in rural areas) food security should be further strengthened.
- G20-Africa cooperation needs to take into account that trustworthy, accountable institutions are a key factor for effective development policies.
