A Project on the Civil Service Crisis: The Prevailing Influence ofPolitical Cadres Across Africa

Abstract

The civil service in many African nations has increasingly become a battleground for political patronage, where meritocracy is overshadowed by the influence of political cadres. This paper examines the growing crisis in public administration caused by the infiltration of political loyalists into key bureaucratic positions, often at the expense of professionalism, efficiency, and accountability. Using a continent-wide perspective, with case studies from various African nations, this study explores the historical roots, structural weaknesses, and political motivations behind this trend. The analysis highlights the implications of political cadre dominance on governance, service delivery, and economic development, while also considering potential reforms to restore integrity in civil service institutions. The findings underscore the urgent need for depoliticization, strengthened institutional frameworks, and merit-based recruitment to enhance governance and public sector performance across Africa.