Forging UAE’s Civil Service Model with BRICS countries to accelerate Agenda 2063 in Africa From Egypt to South Africa
Main Article Content
Keywords
Polycentric Governance, Civil Service, International Cooperation, BRICS, Egypt, South Africa
Abstract
This article examines how elements of the UAE’s civil service model, including the reform experiences from BRICS members Egypt and South Africa, can strengthen the implementation of Agenda 2063, particularly Aspiration 3 on good governance and capable institutions. Despite progress in both countries, persistent institutional weaknesses, accountability gaps, and post-COVID fiscal pressures continue to undermine citizen-centred service delivery. Drawing on polycentric governance theory and the “Leave No One Behind” principle, the study analyses civil service reforms undertaken between 2019 and 2024 and synthesises emerging practices that enhance responsive, transparent, and human-capital-driven public institutions. It identifies areas for practical cooperation with the UAE and offers recommendations for advancing civil service excellence across African states.
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References
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APRM (2021). AFRICAN PEER REVIEW MECHANISM (APRM) Second Generation Review of South Africa, APRM, Midrand, South Africa
Budescu, David V., et al. (2008). The Role of Focus Groups in Understanding Community Resilience to Climate Change: A Case Study of a Polycentric Approach. Environmental Science & Policy, 10(6), 469-482. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2008.05.004
Barsoum, G. (2018). Egypt’s Many Public Administration Transitions: Reform Vision and Implementation Challenges. International Journal of Public Administration, 41(10), 772–780. https://doi.org/10.1080/01900692.2017.1387145.
Carlisle, K., & Gruby, R. L. (2019). Polycentric Systems of Governance: A Theoretical Model for the Commons. Policy Studies Journal, 47(4), 921–946. https://doi.org/10.1111/psj.12212.
Ciara, M. (n.d.).
OECD (2024). Public Governance Reviews: EGYPT STRENGTHENING THE FOUNDATIONS FOR MORE EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE PUBLIC GOVERNANCE REFORMS, Accessed on
el Baradei, L. (2021). Public Administration in Egypt After the Arab Spring. In Governance and Public Management (pp. 61–76). Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-74966-8_3.
Ezquerro, L., Coimbra, R., Bauluz, B., Núñez-Lahuerta, C., Román-Berdiel, T., & Moreno-Azanza, M. (2024). Large dinosaur egg accumulations and their significance for understanding nesting behaviour. Geoscience Frontiers, 15(5). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsf.2024.101872.
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Kim, R. E. (2020). Is global governance fragmented, polycentric, or complex? The state of the art of the network approach. In International Studies Review (Vol. 22, Issue 4, pp. 903–931). Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/isr/viz052
Kofinas, Gary P. (2010). The Importance of Polycentric Governance to the Resilience of Social-Ecological Systems. In Adaptive Governance and Climate Change, edited by A. D. D. & H. J. S. Cambridge: MIT Press.
Koji, H. (1990). Administrative Reforms and Globalisation Strategy in Dubai Horinuki Administrative Reforms and Globalisation Strategy in Dubai II NPM.
Labib, A. A. (n.d.). Good Governance and Civil Service Reform in Egypt. https://fount.aucegypt.edu/etds/1873
Lust, E., & Kao, K. (n.d.). Introduction Decentralisation and Local Governance Lessons from the MENA. Accessed on 1/11/2024, Available at https://about.jstor.org/terms.
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https://imd.widen.net/content/zfxullm2dk/pdf/AE1page_WCY_2024.pdf.
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McGinnis, M. D. (2021a). A Few Key Examples: PG in Theory and Practice.
McGinnis, M. D. (2021b). Defining Polycentric Governance and Other Dilemmas of Governance Science.
McGinnis, M. D. (2021c). What is Polycentric Governance? A Quick Answer.
Mohamed Bin Rashed Al Maktoum. (2015). Dubai Strategic Plan 2015, Available at https://www.arabruleoflaw.org/compendium/Files/UAE/94.pdf.
Mo Ibrahim Foundation (2024). African Governance Index, Available at https://iiag.online/locations/eg.html.
Ostrom, Elinor (2009). A Polycentric Approach for Coping with Climate Change. In Governing Climate Change, edited by Joseph Alcamo and Michael K. van Vliet. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1596/1813-9450-5095
Ostrom, Elinor (2010). Polycentric Systems for Coping with Collective Action and Global Environmental Change. Global Environmental Change, 20(4), 550-557. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2010.07.004
Ostrom, Elinor, and T. K. Ahn (2003). The Meaning of Social Capital and Its Link to Collective Action. In Handbook of Social Capital, edited by D. A. F. & H. D. Listings. New York: Oxford University Press.
Ostrom, Elinor, and Hugo F. de Silva (2015). Looking for the Good in Polycentric Governance. Policy Studies Journal, 43(1), 231-255. DOI:10.1111/psj. 12093.
Sarker, A. E., Abdul, A.-A., & Athmay, R. A. al. (2019). SPAEF PUBLIC SECTOR REFORMS IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. 43(3), 330–371. https://doi.org/10.1177/073491491904300302Thiel, A. (2023). Polycentric Governing and Polycentric Governance. In Polycentrism: How Governing Works Today (pp. 98–120). Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780192866837.003.0005
Ukwandu, D. C. (2019). South Africa as a Developmental State: Is it a Viable Idea? (Vol. 11, Issue 2).
UNDP (2018). Leaving no one behind Principle, Available at
https://www.undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/publications/Discussion_Paper_LNOB_EN_lres.pdf.
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Jan 15, 2026
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Forging UAE’s Civil Service Model with BRICS countries to accelerate Agenda 2063 in Africa: From Egypt to South Africa . (2026). Pan-African Conversations, 2(1), 68-98. https://doi.org/10.36615/e8gksk23
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Forging UAE’s Civil Service Model with BRICS countries to accelerate Agenda 2063 in Africa: From Egypt to South Africa . (2026). Pan-African Conversations, 2(1), 68-98. https://doi.org/10.36615/e8gksk23
