July 11, 2025
The World Bank has called on African governments to urgently improve the delivery of essential public services such as education, healthcare, water, electricity, and digital infrastructure, emphasizing that sustainable and inclusive growth across the continent depends heavily on stronger service systems.
This appeal was made on Thursday in a new report released by the global financial institution, which warns that Africa’s economic progress could be undermined if governments fail to prioritize the needs of their citizens, especially the poor and underserved populations.
According to the World Bank, limited access to quality services remains a significant barrier to development across many African countries. The report highlights that while the continent has witnessed economic growth in recent years, that growth has not always translated into better living conditions or equitable opportunities for the broader population.
The bank identified inefficiencies, underfunding, corruption, and poor governance as major challenges weakening service delivery. It recommended a combination of policy reforms, increased public investment, better monitoring, and partnerships with the private sector to address the issues.
“Investing in people through reliable access to basic services is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic one for economic resilience and social cohesion,” the report stated.
It further noted that enhancing public services is critical in building human capital, reducing poverty, addressing climate vulnerabilities, and creating jobs—especially in Africa’s fast-growing youth population.
The World Bank also emphasized the need for transparency and accountability mechanisms to ensure that public funds are used effectively. It urged governments to adopt digital tools to enhance efficiency and ensure real-time access to service performance data.
The call comes at a time when several African countries are navigating tough economic conditions, including rising debt, inflation, and global financial uncertainties. The World Bank’s position reinforces the growing consensus that long-term prosperity in Africa will depend on the strength of public institutions and the quality of services they provide to citizens.
