The Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF) is pleased to continue its partnership with the African School on Decentralisation (ASD), which will take place in Cape Town, South Africa, from 8–21 November 2026. Now in its sixth year, the ASD brings together practitioners, policymakers, academics and other specialists from across Africa to explore the theory and practice of decentralisation and strengthen knowledge and collaboration on local governance.

Applications for the 2026 course are now open: https://dullahomarinstitute.org.za/our-work/multilevel-govt/asd/asd-2026  

Building stronger multi-level governance and cooperation

This year’s theme, ‘Central-local relations’, is particularly relevant to CLGF and its work to strengthen local government and effective multilevel governance. Strong and constructive relationships between national and local government are essential to ensuring that policies, resources and responsibilities are aligned and that development responds effectively to the needs of citizens. While decentralisation can give local governments greater discretion to shape development in their communities, this needs to be supported by appropriate national frameworks, financing, capacity and mechanisms for cooperation and accountability.

The 2026 programme will examine the different ways in which central-local relations shape decentralisation across Africa. Participants will explore the theoretical foundations and different models of decentralisation, national decentralisation reforms, and the constitutional and legal frameworks governing local government. The programme will also consider national monitoring and evaluation, support and financing for local government, and the circumstances in which national governments intervene in local government.

A particular focus will be placed on practical mechanisms for central-local cooperation, including integrated planning and budgeting, intergovernmental forums and approaches to resolving disputes between levels of government. The role of local government associations will also be explored – recognising their important role in representing local government interests, facilitating dialogue between different levels of government, and supporting the sharing of experience and good practice.

Advancing pan-African decentralisation and local democracy

For CLGF, the ASD provides an important opportunity to contribute to and learn from a pan-African community of decentralisation practitioners. Through comparative experience, interactive discussions, case studies and study visits, participants will consider how different approaches to multilevel governance can support more effective, accountable and responsive local government. The School also provides an important platform for building lasting professional networks and encouraging innovation and collaboration across Africa.

CLGF looks forward to working with the ASD partners and participants throughout the 2026 programme and to continuing the shared commitment to strengthening decentralisation, local democracy and effective multilevel governance across Africa.