By: Sintayehu Tamirat
The African Union (AU) has urged its member states to adopt the African Charter on the Values and Principles of Public Service, a call issued at the opening of the 10th African Public Service Day celebration here in the Ethiopian capital on Saturday.
The three-day event, themed "Enhancing the agility and resilience of public institutions to achieve equitable governance and rapidly address historical service delivery gaps," kicked off at the AU Headquarters, drawing together public service leaders, government officials, academics, civil society representatives, media, and international partners from across Africa and the diaspora.
Reports indicate that the public institutions across the continent play a pivotal role in addressing these historical service delivery gaps by driving comprehensive policy reforms, ensuring equitable service provision, and fostering responsive, inclusive governance.
Opening the continent’s significant event, Patience Zanelie Chiradza, Director of Governance and Conflict Prevention Directorate of the African Union, said African Public Service Day marks a significant milestone to confront the challenges in the African public service sector.
“Our call to action is clear. We must invest in digital governance systems that are people-centered and inclusive. We must uphold ethical leadership and transparency as a foundation of trust in governance.”
She urged member states to adopt the African Charter on Values and Principles of Public Service. “I also would like to appeal the African Member States that have not yet done so to either sign or ratify African Charter on Values and Principles of Public Service and Administration so that we can all work together to implement it.”
Officially launching the 10th African Public Service Day event, Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh highlighted strides in reforming the public service sector in the country.
The deputy prime minister mentioned that Ethiopia is taking action to address the historical gaps in the public service sector by launching massive reform. Ethiopia’s reform in the sector has brought tangible results, Temesgn said, mentioning MESOB, a one-stop project that has proved successful and is planned to be emulated nationwide.
“At the heart of our reform is the One-Stop Shop model—a model that brings government and citizens closer. It works across online platforms, mobile applications, physical service centers, and community engagement. It’s already showing results. People are being served faster. Citizens are being served with dignity. Barriers are being broken down. Our flagship initiative is called MESOB—Modern Ethiopian Service for Organized Benefits. MESOB is more than a platform. It is a promise. A promise to deliver services that are efficient, inclusive, and seamless.”
Robyn Scott, CEO of Apolitical, a global platform for government that helps public servants, commended Ethiopia’s progress in the sector and pledged support.
“That’s why I’d like to recognize Dr. Mekuria Haile [Ethiopian Civil Service Commissioner]. Under his leadership, Ethiopia is exactly building this kind of public service. And it’s our privilege at Apolitical to support this journey through the country’s new public service and governance academy.”
The 10th African Public Service Day theme aligns with the overarching 2025 AU theme: "Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations." The theme is grounded in the understanding that strong and adaptable public institutions are essential for tackling Africa’s historical injustices and promoting long-term resilience.