Bureaucracy and Service Delivery in Africa: Issues, Challenges, and The Way Forward

Background: Government service providers in Africa have not taken the issue of value for money to heart. Public opinion has it that government ministries, department, and agencies (MDAs) have not done well considering the quantum of resources sunk into this sub-sector over the years. Aim: Within the framework of the public choice theory, this article examined bureaucracy and service delivery in Africa with specific reference to Nigeria and South Africa. Method: This article adopted a qualitative approach and is descriptive in nature. Authoritative scholarly sources were reviewed by means of a desktop study. Results: This article posits that leadership is the key to service delivery. While many would disagree with what leadership actually means, it is clear that it is an influencer. It brings together other factors and makes them work towards the achievement of specified goals. Conclusion: This article concludes that while service delivery is at the centre of governance in any country, it has long been neglected by successive governments. But with the new awakening and expansion of the political and economic space, more people are pressing for quality service delivery from government officials to justify the rates, levies, and dues they pay to government agencies and departments. But the consumers themselves should also show orderliness, discipline, and integrity by paying their dues and ensuring that they get value for their money by insisting on better service delivery.