Salon des collectivités: African leaders demand greater local autonomy

The fourth edition of the Salon des collectivités concluded in Abidjan, where local leaders and officials gathered to advocate for increased autonomy and resources for territorial authorities.

A primary recommendation from the summit is to increase the share of national resources transferred to local governments to 20%. Participants emphasized that such funding is essential to support transferred competencies in areas like road maintenance, sanitation, and economic development. Additionally, representatives called for easier and more equitable access to climate financing, arguing that municipalities are essential actors in environmental planning and implementation.

During the event, the Mayor of N’Djamena presented urban transformation models, including citizen engagement programs and sanitary police initiatives. Meanwhile, local leaders from Guinea highlighted the need to revise local government codes to reduce administrative hurdles and improve the disbursement of funds, noting that current delays hinder essential infrastructure development.