Bamako: Experts are gathering in Bamako for the 12th conference of the African Public Services Observatory (OFPA) to discuss pressing issues in public administration over a 48-hour meeting. The opening ceremony was led by Malian Minister of Labor, Civil Service and Social Dialogue, Dr. Fassoun Coulibaly, with his colleague from the Refoundation of the State, Bakary Traor©, also in attendance.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Burkina Faso is among the countries participating in this expert meeting, which serves as a precursor to the upcoming assembly of OFPA ministers scheduled for August 23, 2025. In his opening remarks, Minister Coulibaly emphasized the need for the conference to inject new energy into the organization to tackle the numerous challenges facing public services today. Key issues highlighted include the digitalization of administration to enhance user services, improve governance, and boost transparency.
Minister Coulibaly urged participants to engage deeply with the documents presented, aiming to revitalize the institution and enhance its governance framework. Over the course of the meeting, experts will review and deliberate on 11 agenda items, including the adoption of the 2019-2024 activity and financial reports, the status of member state contributions, and the transformation of the Observatory into a Professional Training Center for Public Administration capacity building. Other items include the recruitment of an Executive Secretary and the adoption of the conference proceedings.
Established on November 5, 1991, in Cotonou, Benin, the OFPA consists of 26 member countries. It is dedicated to discussions on the evolving role of the State, focusing on governance, democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and administrative modernization, all while upholding state sovereignty.
