The prevailing influence of political cadres across Africa
FEATURED PAPER
Evance Moses Silumbwe, PhD
Kabwe, Zambia
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.
Key words: Civil Service | Political Patronage | Meritocracy | Public Administration | Governance | Service Delivery | Depoliticization
Introduction
The civil service plays a crucial role in governance, policymaking, and service delivery, acting as the backbone of state institutions. Ideally, it should function as a neutral and professional body that ensures continuity and efficiency in government operations, regardless of political transitions. However, in many African nations, the civil service has increasingly become entangled in political patronage, where appointments and promotions are influenced more by party loyalty than by competence or expertise. This has led to a decline in efficiency, transparency, and accountability, undermining public trust in government institutions.
The rise of political cadres—individuals who owe their positions to political allegiance rather than merit—has had far-reaching consequences for governance and economic development across the continent. Political interference in the civil service erodes institutional independence, weakens public administration, and fosters corruption, as officials prioritize partisan interests over national development. Moreover, the entrenchment of political appointees in key bureaucratic positions stifles innovation and discourages competent professionals, ultimately hindering efforts to build strong and effective institutions.
This paper examines the systemic challenges posed by political cadre dominance in African civil services, analyzing the historical roots of the problem, its impact on governance and service delivery, and the broader socio-economic consequences. Drawing on case studies from different African countries, the study highlights the urgent need for reforms that promote meritocracy, institutional autonomy, and transparency. By exploring potential solutions, including policy interventions and governance reforms, this paper advocates for a more independent and professional civil service that can drive sustainable development and good governance across the continent.
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How to cite this work: Silumbwe, E.M. (2025). A project on the civil service crisis: the prevailing influence of political cadres across Africa, PM World Journal, Vol. XIV, Issue V, May. Available online at https://pmworldlibrary.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/pmwj152-May2025-Silumbwe-A-Project-on-the-Civil-Service-Crisis-featured-paper.pdf
About the Author
Evance Moses Silumbwe, PhD
Kabwe, Zambia
Mr. Evance Moses Silumbwe, is presently employed as the Chief Building Inspector at the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development within the Kabwe Municipal Council, situated at Box 80424, Kabwe, Zambia. His professional research field includes the following research areas: Project Management, Water Distribution and Consumption, Spatial Planning, Administration & Management, Highways.
His academic background comprises: Recently accomplished a PhD in Administration & Management at the University of Zambia, spanning from 2021 to 2024. (Clear pass) A dissertation which included: Analysis of Management and Administration of State Land by the Local Authority in the Midst of Illegal Settlement: A Case Study of Excision Land in Kabwe, Central Province, Zambia; Completion of a Teaching Methodology Postgraduate Diploma from Kwame Nkrumah University, Zambia, in 2019–2020; Attainment of a Master’s degree in Project Planning Management from the Information Communication University of Zambia during 2015–2017; Participation in International Diplomacy Studies at the Zambia Institute of Diplomacy Studies in 2015; Diploma in Building Construction from Copperbelt University, Zambia, acquired from 2008 to 2012; Bachelors in Road maintenance and management -from University of Africa from 2012 to 2015; Completion of a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management from Cavendish University, Zambia, in 2008; Obtaining a Monitoring and Evaluation Certificate from the University of Zambia in 2006; Acquisition of a Project Planning Certificate from Technical Vocational Training College, Luanshya, Zambia, in 2005; Studied Business Administration at the University of Zambia in 2004; and Completion of Plumbing and Sheetmetal studies at the Lukashya Trades Training Institute in 1996–1997.
Furthermore, he is currently an active member of the Engineering Institute of Zambia. He can be contacted at silumbwemoses7@gmail.com
