The Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) of the AU Commission (AUC) in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe organized the 9^th Continental Africa Public Service Day (APSD) celebrations under the theme “The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will require a fit for purpose African public administration to succeed”, from 21 to 23 June 2023, in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

The APSD opening ceremony was graced by Honourable Prof. Paul. Mavima, Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare of the Republic of Zimbabwe, on behalf of HE. Emerson Mnangagwa President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and H.E. Ambassador Fathallah Sijilmassi, Director General of the African Union Commission, on behalf of H.E. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department.

Amb. Sijilmassi, in his opening remarks, stated that Africans can build a public service sector that is fit for purpose, capable of driving Africa's integration Agenda 2063 & serving the needs of the people, as this is essential to support and drive the AfCFTA's objectives. Similarly, in his keynote address, Hon. Prof. Paul Mavima stressed that it is the public servants that are the engine that make or break the development of the continent, thus the AfCFTA’s success.

The 3-day celebrations include subject matter expert knowledge sharing, discussions and showcase innovative initiatives that promote professionalism, accountability, responsiveness, and ethics in public service delivery.

Ministers from Algeria, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Tanzania, and heads of delegations of Ethiopia, Burundi, South Africa, Kenya, Namibia, Eswatini and Uganda participated in the celebrations. Furthermore, 500 participants from across the Continent attended the event; these include civil/public service personnel and practitioners; experts from all over Africa; members of the Diplomatic Corps, African Association of Public Administration Management (AAPAM), UN ECA, the academia, the Private Sector, Civil Society Organizations, and the Media.

At the closing ceremony of the APSD 2023, participating member states issued a declaration and announced Ethiopia will host the 10^th Edition of APSD in Addis Ababa in June 2025. The host, Zimbabwe, also organized a Gala dinner whereby the winners of the Public Service Organizations that have competed in the Public Service Innovation Award Program in 3 categories, namely: the Best Managed Organization Award, the Best Innovation in Service Delivery Award, and the Most Accountable and Transparent Organization Award, were awarded trophies for showcasing best innovation project practices in service delivery. 

For further information please contact:

1. Mr. Issaka Garba Abdou, Head of Governance and Human Rights Division,

              Governance and Conflict Prevention Directorate of the Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department, African Union Commission | Email: GarbaAdoui@africa-union.org, Tel: +251936543849

2. Mr Tchatcho T. Kevino, Governance Analyst, Governance and Conflict Prevention Directorate of the Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department, African Union Commission | Email: kevint@africa-union.org

For media inquiries, please contact:

Ms. Limi Mohammed | Communication Focal Point & Web Administrator | Governance and Conflict prevention Directorate of the Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department, African Union Commission | E-mail: shashlm@africa-union.org

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org
Web: www.au.int, & peaceau.org  | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube