African Development Bank Unveils Public Service Delivery Index and Plans for a Prize to Celebrate Outstandiong Achievement

The African Development Bank has launched the first edition of its Public Service Delivery Index (PSDI), which evaluates the quality and effectiveness of key public services provided by governments across the continent. The Index supports the African Union's Agenda 2063, the Bank's "High 5" priorities, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The PSDI was announced at the Bank's 2025 Annual Meetings in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, and will be published biennially. The Bank also plans to launch a Public Service Delivery Prize for Africa to celebrate outstanding national achievements in the public sector delivery.

Key Takeaways:

• The African Development Bank has introduced the Public Service Delivery Index (PSDI) to measure the quality and effectiveness of key public services provided by governments across Africa.
• The Index evaluates public service outcomes and impacts, including access to electricity, renewable energy, security, and environmental safety, among others.
• The Index supports the African Union's Agenda 2063, the Bank's "High 5" priorities, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• The Index will be published biennially and will serve as a guide for better coordination with governments, guiding public policy, and influencing academic research.
• The top six performers on the PSDI scores are Mauritius, Egypt, South Africa, Senegal, Ghana, and Morocco.
• The African Development Bank plans to launch a Public Service Delivery Prize for Africa to celebrate outstanding national achievements in the public sector delivery.
• The prize will recognize local and national governments that demonstrate measurable improvements and innovation in public service delivery.
• The Bank emphasized the importance of innovation and accountability in public service delivery, calling for the public sector to be evaluated based on its performance in building a social capital stock.
• A key discussion point at the launch event was the need for sustained capacity development to improve public service delivery, citing examples such as the Institute of Public Service and Innovation established by Mauritius.

Statistics:

• The Index will be published biennially, starting with the 2025 edition.
• The top six performers on the PSDI scores are Mauritius, Egypt, South Africa, Senegal, Ghana, and Morocco.
• The Index evaluates public service outcomes and impacts, including access to electricity (70% of Africa has access to electricity), renewable energy, security, and environmental safety, among others.

Sources:

• African Development Bank Group press release
• Remarks by Akinwumi A. Adesina, African Development Bank Group President
• Press release: "African Development Bank launches first Public Service Delivery Index"
• Source 1: African Development Bank Group
• Source 2: Remarks by Akinwumi A. Adesina, African Development Bank Group President