CLGF is once again delighted to continue its partnership with the African School of Decentralisation for the fifth year, with the event taking place in Cape Town from 13 to 25 October 2025. The theme for this edition is Decentralisation and Finances, focusing on how decentralisation governance in Africa is financed, and on the systems and rules for the prudent use of public finances in sub-national governments.

CLGF to deliver a mayors’ roundtable

In addition to sponsoring delegates, CLGF will be bringing together a mayors’ roundtable to allow the two-week course to open with an overview of the experience of local leaders from the Southern African region. The round table will look at key issues impacting local government’s ability to deliver for citizens and will touch on the importance of public finance management; the strengths and weaknesses of intergovernmental transfers; own-source revenue-raising; debt finance and investment; as well as the importance of a clear vision and leadership for both citizens and investors.

International finance for local and regional governments

Over the course of the two weeks, the School will look at the different financing mechanisms for sub-national government in place across Africa; key elements of public finance management, including budgeting; expenditure controls; procurement, and anti-corruption measures; and inter-governmental fiscal relations. In the second week of the programme, CLGF will contribute to this overview with a session specifically on international finance and what opportunities are available to local government from development partners, thematic funds and investment bodies. The session will also touch on the structures and institutions in place at the continental, regional and national level that support this access, and the progressive legislation that is in place in some countries enabling across the financing.  

LRGs on the front line of the poli-crisis

CLGF will be represented at the ASD 2025 by Leopold Bhoroma, CLGF Southern African Regional Manager, who highlighted the importance of the thematic areas of this year’s course by explaining: “Local and regional governments are at the forefront of responding to the current poli-crisis environment, protecting citizens, and implementing the 2030 Agenda. They bring an integrated perspective to delivery and a cross-continental discussion on their financing and enabling environment will help build capacity and share best practice”.

CSCN Follow-up

The Commonwealth Sustainable Cities Network (CSCN) will draw on the outcomes and priorities highlighted in the mayors' round table and the wide ASD 2025 to further facilitate exchange in the Southern African region between cities on financing local development. 

More information on the upcoming African School of Decentralsation can be found here and click on CSCN above to learn more about this exciting network or download the leaflet.