Political impact of decentralization in Africa

Decentralization is an outstanding phenomenon among the ongoing administrative and political reforms that have been undertaken in recent decades around the world, and it has had significant political effects in African countries.In addition, urbanization amplifies the political impact of decentralization.Decentralization and urbanization have expanded the economic and political gaps between local governments in urban and rural areas as devolution has progressed from the central government to local governments.Decentralization encourages international cooperation between African local governments and (non-)African partners.Decentralization and this international cooperation between local governments have significantly influenced local politics in Africa, and decentralization has changed the relationship between the state and local governments, and between the local government and residents.First, this paper briefly traces the history of decentralization in Africa.Second, it reflects on the impact of decentralization on African politics and international relations by focusing on local elections, decentralized cooperation, and political disputes in urbanizing local governments in Benin and Burkina Faso.It is an appropriate time to examine local governments to better understand the political and social transformations that are taking place in a decentralizing Africa.