At an invitation of the Government of Zimbabwe addressed to the African Union Commission, Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS), a technical meeting was organized between the Ministry for Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare of Zimbabwe and Department of PAPS (Secretariat of AU-STC No 8) on 23 April 2021 in Harare, Republic of Zimbabwe.
The overall objective of the Mission was to make all necessary plans and arrangements towards the successful celebration of the 2021 Africa Public Service Day (APSD), scheduled to take place from 21 to 23 June 2021 in Victoria falls, Zimbabwe.

In his welcome remarks, the Acting Secretary for Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare welcomed all members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Africa Public Service Day to the meeting. He extended a special welcome to delegates from the African Union. He further outlined that the objectives of the meeting were primarily to get guidance from the AU delegates on what is expected from the host country as well as to share information pertaining the format of commemorating the 8th edition of the Continental Africa Public Service Day under the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr. Issaka Garba Abdou, Senior Political Officer for Public Service and anti-Corruption, Department of PAPS appreciated and commended Zimbabwe for agreeing to host the APSD commemorations.

The AUC team gave an overview of the format of how the commemorations are conducted from the first to the last day as well as the expected activities. The team outlined roles and responsibilities of the African Union as well as their experience so far in commemorating the Africa Public Service Day. An insight brief on the host country obligations was presented. The AUC officials also informed the meeting the obligations of African Union Commission and the host country on Africa Public Service Day commemorations. The roles from both Stakeholders were well outlined during the meeting.

The 2021 Continental APSD will be celebrated under the following main theme: “Building the Africa, We Want through embracing an ethical culture that underpins purpose driven leadership in the Context of a Crisis”

Due to COVID-19 protocols, Zimbabwe proposes to host the event in Victoria Falls with a limited number of AU officials and a few Public Service Champion Member States to avoid huge numbers congregating. Local participants will be kept at the barest minimum.

For further information on COSP II, please contact:

Mr. Issaka Garba Abdou | Senior Political Officer for Public Service and Anti-Corruption- Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security | African Union Commission| Tel: +251115182611|E-mail: garbaabdoui@africa-union.org;

For further media inquiries, please contact:
1. Mrs. Esther Azaa Tankou | Head of Information Division | Directorate of Information and Communication, African Union Commission | Mobile: +251911361185 | E-mail: yamboue@africa-union.org
2. Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Directorate of Information and Communications (DIC) | E-mail: GamalK@africa-union.org

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