Buthelezi calls for stronger African state institutions amid global economic uncertainty

Public Service and Administration Minister Mzamo Buthelezi has called for stronger state institutions across Africa, warning that governments must improve their ability to respond to global economic disruptions while addressing domestic development challenges.

Speaking at the 2026 Economic Governance School programme in Centurion on Monday, Buthelezi said geopolitical tensions, changing international trade patterns, technological advancements and climate change were reshaping the global economy.

He said these developments had direct consequences for the cost of living, public finances, investment, employment and the delivery of essential services.

“We convene at a defining moment for our continent and the global economy, where the world is experiencing profound shifts in geopolitical relations, international trade, technological advancement, climate patterns and the global distribution of economic power,” said Buthelezi.

The programme, held under the theme Strengthening Adaptive State Capability for Inclusive Growth in an Era of Global Disruptions, brings together senior public officials from several African countries to exchange ideas and strengthen economic governance.

Buthelezi challenged participants to consider whether their institutions had the leadership, administrative capacity and technical competence required to respond to a rapidly changing global environment while meeting the developmental needs of their citizens.

Since its establishment in 2020, the Economic Governance School has recorded 272 participant attendances and expanded into bilateral and trilateral collaborations across the continent.

The Minister said the programme reflected the growing recognition that African countries could not address their development challenges in isolation.

“Our economies are interconnected, our vulnerabilities increasingly shared, and our opportunities considerably greater when pursued through regional cooperation,” he said.

South Africa's economic growth and service delivery challenges

Turning to South Africa's domestic priorities, Buthelezi said the seventh administration's programme of action was anchored on three strategic priorities: inclusive economic growth and job creation, reducing poverty and the high cost of living, and building a capable, ethical and developmental state.

He acknowledged the country's economic constraints, including a revised economic growth projection of 1.2% for 2026.

However, he stressed that government performance should be measured through tangible improvements in people's lives rather than policy announcements.

“Our citizens do not experience government through policy documents. They experience it through the availability of water, reliable electricity, functioning roads, accessible healthcare, quality education, employment opportunities and the responsiveness of public institutions,” he said.

Buthelezi argued that building a capable state should be viewed as an essential part of economic development rather than merely an administrative responsibility.

He said an effective public service was critical to translating government priorities into practical results, particularly in infrastructure development, revenue mobilisation, industrialisation and digital transformation.

AI and climate change among key governance challenges

The Minister also highlighted the need for African governments to adapt to uncertainty driven by geopolitical developments, climate change and rapid technological advancement, particularly artificial intelligence.

He said public institutions needed to become more anticipatory and responsive while maintaining their long-term development objectives.

The programme will explore several areas over the coming days, including the green economy, industrialisation, the African Continental Free Trade Area, revenue mobilisation, digital transformation and improving state capability through innovation and productivity.

Buthelezi said these discussions should be approached as interconnected priorities aimed at strengthening governments' ability to make sound economic decisions, mobilise resources and turn development plans into measurable outcomes.

He thanked the National School of Government, participating countries, partners, experts and delegates for supporting the initiative.

He concluded that Africa's development ambitions required more than financial resources and policy commitments, emphasising the importance of capable institutions, accountable leadership, professional public services and sustained implementation.