Africa Public Service Day, observed annually on 23 June, celebrates the role of public institutions and civil servants in driving inclusive development across the continent. It is a moment to reflect on the progress made and the work still required to build public systems that are responsive, accountable, and equitable.
The 2025 theme, "Enhancing the Agility and Resilience of Public Institutions to Achieve Equitable Governance and Rapidly Address Historical Service Delivery Gaps,” calls for the urgent need to reimagine governance systems that can swiftly adapt to crises, correct long-standing inequalities, and meet the demands of all citizens, particularly those historically left behind.
Tax Justice Network Africa (TJNA) joins civil society organizations and intergovernmental bodies in commemorating this occasion.
At Tax Justice Network Africa (TJNA), we believe that robust and responsive public institutions are essential for achieving tax justice and social equity. Our work under Tax and Equity seeks to promote progressive tax systems that finance essential services and foster social cohesion. Without agile and accountable institutions, the transformative potential of progressive taxation and fair resource distribution remains unrealised.
In many African countries, decades of underinvestment, inefficiencies, and leakages in public finance systems have widened the gap between citizens and state institutions. Through campaigns such as Stop the Bleeding and ongoing research and advocacy, TJNA continues to expose structural barriers that contribute to illicit financial flows and undermine institutional effectiveness and equity in service delivery.
“Agility and resilience in public institutions are not merely technical goals, they are justice concerns. Building responsive institutions means designing systems that serve all citizens fairly, especially the most vulnerable, and ensuring public resources are used transparently and equitably,” our Senior Policy Officer, Mr. Ishmael Zulu highlights.
As Africa commemorates Public Service Day 2025, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering institutions that are not only agile and resilient but also grounded in justice, equity, and citizen empowerment. Only through transformative public service can Africa deliver on the promise of equitable development and a dignified future for all.
TJNA calls for bold reforms to close delivery gaps and build citizen trust by strengthening public financial management systems through enhanced transparency, open budgets, and participatory planning.
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For more information please contact Ishmael Zulu at izulu[@]taxjusticeafrica.net.
