Localising the Sustainable Development Goals in Africa: implementation challenges and opportunities

Main Article Content

Eunice Annan-Aggrey
Elmond Bandauko
Godwin Arku

Abstract

At the point of adopting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Africa’s starting point on almost all dimensions of development was much lower than that of other regions of the world. Thus, SDG progress on the continent determines to a large extent whether the global SDG commitment to ‘leave no one behind’ remains rhetoric or becomes reality. Local government action is critical to the achievement of the SDGs, as most services provided at the local level have a direct impact on SDG indicators. This paper reflects on the first quadrennial review cycle of the SDGs, and highlights challenges encountered in localising the SDGs in sub-Saharan Africa. Furthermore, the paper contributes to the ongoing strategising for the remaining timeline of the SDGs and analyses the opportunities for local governments to contribute to SDG implementation. The paper also seeks to inform policy action to strengthen local capacity to drive the SDGs agenda in the ‘Decade of Action’ (2020–2030).

Article Details

How to Cite
Eunice Annan-Aggrey, Elmond Bandauko, & Godwin Arku. (2021). Localising the Sustainable Development Goals in Africa: implementation challenges and opportunities . Commonwealth Journal of Local Governance, (24), 4-23. https://doi.org/10.5130/cjlg.vi24.7739
Section
Research and Evaluation (peer-reviewed)