It is obvious that local governments cannot do without central government transfer; however, coupling with internal competition can fix decentralization for Africa’s development. Our recent study in Benin shows that when one local government received funding, its neighbors, were inspired to invest more too. With fair funding and a touch of healthy competition, decentralization can move from promise to power, driving growth, reducing inequality, and facilitating development.

In many African countries, social networks shape access to public services. A study by Osei, Konte, and Avenyo shows that connections can help the wealthy avoid bribes and the poor navigate weak systems. But when do relationships become corruption? The line between networking and nepotism blurs in unequal systems. Rather than a moral verdict, the study calls for reforms that balance fairness with the realities of relationship-based access.