Governance and Security
Good governance and security are essential to fight extreme poverty in sub-Saharan Africa.
The Challenge
Despite increasing democracy and stability in sub-Saharan Africa, corruption and conflict remain serious barriers to ending extreme poverty on the continent. In addition to the human and psychological toll corruption and conflict take on African populations, they also cost money -- the continent loses around $148 billion each year as a result of corruption alone. The indirect costs of corruption and conflict can be even more devastating. Compared with peaceful countries, sub-Saharan African countries in conflict have, on average, 50% more infant deaths; 15% more undernourished people; 20% more adult illiteracy; and 2.5 fewer doctors per person.
The Opportunity
Peaceful countries with leadership accountable to its citizens will have the best chance at winning the fight against extreme poverty and disease. Transparent governments that respect civic participation and the rule of law are necessary to ensure scarce resources are spent well and investments are made in the poorest people.
The responsibility and the greatest ability to improve governance and security lie with Africa's own leaders, but donor countries also have a role to play in promoting and supporting accountability, transparency and stability.
Learn more, read the full Governance and Security Issue Brief...
Progress Report
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Governance and Fighting Corruption in sub-Saharan Africa
Many governments in sub-Saharan Africa are weeding out corruption to ensure that development assistance and debt relief reach the people that need it most. MORE
Related Press Releases
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Bono and K’naan Meet with Somali Minnesotans in Minneapolis, Urge Action on Growing Famine in the Horn of Africa
Bono, U2 lead singer and cofounder of ONE, the global anti-poverty advocacy group, and K'naan, the Somali-born singer and poet, met last evening with members of the Somali community in Minneapolis to discuss the growing famine in the Horn of Africa, where a food crisis is threatening the lives of 11.6 million men, women and children according to the UN. After the meeting, during U2's performance in Minneapolis, Bono and K'naan performed a duet of "Stand by Me" in solidarity with the people of Somalia. Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota are home to the largest concentration of Somalis in the United States.
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G20 WORKING GROUPS SHOULD PROVIDE OPPORTUNITY FOR NEW AFRICAN PARTNERSHIP
The final G20 communiqué announced the creation of two working groups to focus on anti-corruption and international development. In expanding its portfolio, the G20 is acknowledging that these factors are inextricably tied to economic health and growth both in the developed and developing world, ONE said. MORE
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Rep. Connolly, Experts Discuss America’s Role in Fight against Global Poverty
Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA) joined global poverty experts, activists, students, professors and members of the global organization ONE at George Mason University to discuss America's impact in the fight against extreme poverty and preventable disease around the world. MORE
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STATEMENT ON BONO’S MEETING TODAY WITH PRESIDENT OBAMA
Bono, U2 lead singer and cofounder of ONE, met today with President Obama and members of his national security staff to discuss the Administration's development strategy heading into the upcoming G8 and G20 meetings in Canada and September's UN Summit on the Millennium Development Goals. MORE
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Cindy McCain and Actress Connie Britton Among Influential Women Joining ONE Delegation to Africa
"Listening and Learning Tour" Aims to Raise Awareness and Empower Women In the Fight Against Poverty and Preventable Disease MORE
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Kenyan Slum Youth Group Wins 2009 ONE Africa Award
A community organization founded by young people in Nairobi's slums has won the ONE Africa Award, an annual prize given by the global anti-poverty group to honor ground-breaking work by African non-governmental organizations. MORE
Quick Facts
There are 50% more
infant deaths in sub-Saharan African countries in conflict compared to peaceful countries, along with 15% more undernourished people, 20% more adult illiteracy and 2.5 fewer doctors per person.
3 to 23
was the increase in number of democracies in sub-Saharan Africa from 1989 to 2008.
$148 billion
is the amount of money that sub-Saharan Africa loses each year as a result of corruption. This amounts to approximately one quarter of the region's GDP.
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