Administrative Reforms and National Archives in Africa

Abstract

Structural adjustment programmes implemented in developing countries in recent years focus sharply on the management of public affairs. Access to well-managed records and information is among the vital ingredients that make up an efficient administration. Describes the establishment of archives centres in Africa and discusses: the role of national archives in the modern state; the link between administrative reforms and records management; the nature of records management; and achieving accountability through record-keeping. Concludes that past attempts by African governments to demonstrate accountability have achieved limited success and that further leverage must come through effective record-keeping.