ABOUT US

The African Association for Public Administration and Management (AAPAM) is a leading international professional organization dedicated to advancing best practices and excellence in public administration and management across Africa. It achieves this through research, publications, training, seminars, consultancy services, conferences, and awards. Its membership spans African governments, the private sector, civil society, international organizations, practitioners, academics, and young professionals. Although AAPAM’s primary focus is Africa, its work is not limited to the continent.

For nearly fifty years, AAPAM has played a central role in strengthening administrative and managerial capacities within African public services. Its origins can be traced to 1962, when Permanent Secretaries responsible for Public Services in several African countries convened to address critical challenges facing public administration at the time.

These discussions evolved into annual meetings rotating among newly independent African capitals, ultimately becoming known as the Inter‑African Public Administration Seminar. By 1965, the event had become a highly anticipated gathering for Heads of Civil Service across the continent.

In 1971, this network of leaders formalized their collaboration, giving rise to the African Association for Public Administration and Management (AAPAM). The Association was inaugurated by the late Dr. Siaka Stevens, then President of Sierra Leone, and its first President was the late Dr. Robert Ouko, a Kenyan Cabinet Minister. Subsequent AAPAM Presidents have included Mr. William Wamalwa (Kenya), Dr. Robert Dodoo (Ghana), Dr. Jonathan Chileshe (Zambia), Mr. John Mitala (Uganda), Mr. Tlohang Sekhamane (Lesotho), Mr. Abdon Agaw Jok Nhial (South Sudan), and Dr. Roland Msiska (Zambia), among others.

AAPAM is governed through its General Assembly, Executive Committee, Council, and Secretariat.