In the realm of public administration, the call for reform resonates with increasing urgency as societies grapple with the complexities of the modern age. At the heart of this reform agenda lays the imperative to cultivate a culture of innovation and adaptability within the public service.
The nation has gone through several reforms in terms of diplomacy, defense force, the Abbay Dam construction, beautifying the cities through corridor development, tourist attraction sites via Gebeta for Sheger, for country and for generation and launching special economic zones among others.
Ethiopia has made magnificent progress in the realm of diplomatic reform starting from the neighboring countries to across the globe making its foundation on ensuring peaceful relations, mutual benefits and protecting national interest. In so doing, it could join the alternative economic and diplomatic bloc, BRICS, which enables it diversify its economic relations.
As it is located in the politically volatile and conflict ridden area, Ethiopia made great effort to reform its defense force in the way it can defend its sovereignty from any attack with complete preparedness of moral and armaments. All the forces are well equipped accommodating members from all sections of the people exhibiting the picture of Ethiopia.
In the economic arena, the country has gone long distance by taking landslide reform measures like in the policy change of finance including exchange rate. The reform in finance, in particular, is one of the reforms the government has made taking great risk that might happen with it. Leaving the foreign exchange rate to be governed by market which was under the command of the National Bank has to be taken as a big step aiming to accelerate the economic progress.
Though it needs more effort, a lot has been done in the service delivery sector. Since the sector has a touch with any activity in the country, the public service delivery should be governed by servant leadership motive genuinely and balanced without any bias for any customer whether local or foreigner.
The conventional bureaucratic framework, with its rigid structures and cumbersome decision-making processes, is proving inadequate in the face of today’s dynamic challenges. To navigate these turbulent waters effectively, a paradigm shift is imperative—one that nurtures an agile and inventive ethos among public servants.
This shift beckons us to transcend traditional boundaries, embrace experimentation, and foster a relentless pursuit of enhanced service delivery. In this article, we delve into the pivotal role of innovation in reshaping public administration, exploring how a forward-thinking approach can catalyze transformative change and enhance the responsiveness of governance structures to the evolving needs of society.
It is arguable that in an era marked by growing societal challenges and heightened public expectations, it is seemingly important to have a comprehensive reform of every public service. As a nation which is grappled with complex issues ranging from healthcare and education to infrastructure and environmental protection, it is clear that the traditional modes of public administration are no longer sufficient to meet the evolving needs of the communities. It is time to rethink and reshape the way one deliver essential public services, ensuring that they are more responsive, efficient, and aligned with the aspirations of the people we serve.
At the heart of this reform lies the recognition that the public sector must adapt to the changing landscape of the 21st century. The rapid advancements in technology; the increasing complexity of societal problems and the shifting demands of citizens have all contributed to a growing disconnection between the government and the people. To bridge this gap, every servant must adopt a new paradigm that places the needs and well-being of the public at the forefront of our decision-making processes.
Cognizant of this fact Ethiopia as a nation is also striving to reform the public service for better achievement and success. The government of Ethiopia has named each day of the thirteenth month of Ethiopia, Pagumen. Necessarily Pagumen 2 or September 7 is named as “the reform day” under a theme reform for better public service. As the people of Ethiopia embark on the ambitious journey, the nation’s collective quest for reform and better public service has never been more pronounced. Since the assumption of power of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) and his governmental crew in 2018, Ethiopia has witnessed a remarkable transformation, marked by a renewed commitment to good governance, transparency, and a deep-rooted desire to deliver more effective and responsive public services to its citizens.
As the structure and organization of public institutions is one of the key areas that require immediate attention, public agencies operate in silos, with little coordination or collaboration across departments. This fragmented approach not only leads to inefficiencies and duplication of efforts but also hinders the ability to provide holistic solutions to the challenges faced by the public. Through fostering a more integrated and collaborative approach, it is possible to unlock new synergies and leverage the diverse expertise within the public sector to deliver more comprehensive and effective services.
This day represents a crucial next step in this transformative process. Building upon the foundational reforms initiated by the reformist administration, Pagumen 2 aims to further streamline and optimize the public sector, ensuring that it is better equipped to address the pressing needs of the Ethiopian people.
One of the key pillars of the reform agenda should be the restructuring of government institutions and agencies. Through breaking down the traditional silos that have long hampered inter-departmental coordination, the initiative seeks to create a more integrated and collaborative public service. This will not only enhance the efficiency of service delivery but also enable the government to tackle complex societal challenges in a more holistic manner.
Another critical aspect of reform is the need to instill a culture of innovation and adaptability within the public service. The traditional bureaucratic model, characterized by rigid hierarchies and slow-moving decision-making processes, is ill-equipped to respond to the rapidly changing demands of modern society. The public servant must embrace a more agile and innovative mindset, one that encourages public servants to think outside the box, experiment with new approaches, and continuously seek ways to improve the delivery of services.
The integration of advanced technologies is another critical component of the public service reforms in Ethiopia. The rapid digitization of government services, coupled with the adoption of data-driven decision-making, will help to streamline administrative processes, reduce bureaucratic delays, and improve the overall user experience for citizens. From online platforms for accessing public services to the utilization of artificial intelligence for streamlining workflows, the public sector is poised to embrace the power of technology to better serve the people.
Alongside these structural and technological advancements, the initiative places a strong emphasis on fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability within the public service. Through empowering public servants to think creatively, experiment with new approaches, and continuously seeking ways to improve service delivery, the government aims to cultivate a more agile and responsive public sector.
This shift in mindset is further bolstered by a renewed focus on customer-centricity. The reforms will prioritize the needs and preferences of citizens, ensuring that public services are designed and delivered in a manner that truly meets the evolving demands of the communities they serve. Through the implementation of design thinking principles and the solicitation of feedback from the public, the government is committed to co-creating solutions that are tailored to the unique requirements of the Ethiopian people.
Underpinning these reform efforts is a steadfast commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical governance. The reformist government has already taken significant strides in this direction, with the introduction of anti-corruption measures, the establishment of independent oversight bodies, and the promotion of open data initiatives. Pagumen 2 seeks to build upon this foundation, further strengthening the public’s trust in their government and demonstrating an unwavering dedication to serving the greater good.
To ensure the sustained success of these reforms, the government also places a strong emphasis on talent management within the public sector. Through offering competitive compensation, robust training and development programs, and a nurturing work environment, the government aims to attract and retain the best and brightest minds in the country. This investment in human capital will not only enhance the capabilities of the public service but also foster a sense of ownership and commitment among public servants, who will be empowered to drive transformative change.
As Ethiopia embarks on the reform journey, the nation stands at a pivotal moment in its history. The reforms outlined in this ambitious initiative have the potential to fundamentally reshape the relationship between the government and the people, ushering in a new era of public service that is more responsive, efficient, and aligned with the aspirations of the Ethiopian populace. By embracing these reforms with unwavering resolve, the country can position itself as a model of good governance and inspire other nations to follow suit, ultimately contributing to the broader global movement for better public service.
All in all, the imperative to infuse innovation and adaptability into the fabric of public service stands as a linchpin in the quest for effective and responsive governance. The imperative for change is underscored by the limitations of the conventional bureaucratic model in meeting the multifaceted demands of contemporary society.
By fostering a culture that champions creativity, experimentation, and continuous improvement, we can unlock the latent potential within our public institutions and empower public servants to become architects of positive change. Embracing innovation not only enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery but also cultivates a spirit of resilience and agility essential for navigating the complexities of the modern era. As we chart a course toward a more innovative and adaptable public service, let us heed the call to transcend complacency, embrace uncertainty, and forge a dynamic path toward a brighter future for governance and public administration.
BY HIZKEL HAILU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 7 SEPTEMBER 2024
