France and South Africa Reflect on the Future of Open Government

The Embassy of France in South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi, together with the Civic Tech Innovation Network (CTIN) and the Wits School of Governance, recently convened a roundtable to reflect on the future of open, collaborative and accountable governance.

Bringing together representatives from government, civil society, academia and the civic tech community, the event explored South Africa’s Open Government Partnership (OGP) journey and examined how transparency, digital governance, public participation and institutional trust can be strengthened in an increasingly complex global environment.

Representing the Embassy of France, Jean Spiri, Counsellor for Cooperation and Cultural Affairs, reflected on the importance of international dialogue and cooperation in strengthening democratic governance. His opening remarks underscored the value of bringing together diverse perspectives to exchange ideas and identify shared approaches to advancing openness, accountability and public trust.

The discussion was further enriched by the participation of Her Excellency Ambassador Ayanda Dlodlo, South Africa’s Ambassador to France, who previously served as South Africa’s Special Envoy to the Open Government Partnership (2011–2019). Drawing on her extensive experience in public service, Ambassador Dlodlo reflected on the enduring purpose of open government, noting that it is rooted in South Africa’s constitutional vision of “a capable, ethical and developmental state that is accountable to its people.”

She emphasised that the principles of transparency, participation and accountability are not ends in themselves, but practical tools that “create the conditions for better public policy, better services, and ultimately greater public trust.” Throughout South Africa’s OGP journey, she observed, institutions have proven stronger when citizens are treated not as passive recipients of services, but as genuine partners in governance.

Looking to the future, Ambassador Dlodlo highlighted the opportunities presented by digital transformation, while cautioning that technology should serve democratic governance rather than drive it. As she remarked, “Digital government must never become merely an ICT project. It is fundamentally a governance project.” The real measure of success, she argued, is not whether government becomes digital, but whether it becomes “more open, more inclusive and more trusted.”

These reflections echoed the themes explored throughout the roundtable, reinforcing the shared commitment of France and South Africa to strengthening democratic governance, transparency and citizen participation. As the Open Government Partnership marks its 15th anniversary, the discussion highlighted the importance of continued collaboration in building institutions that are responsive, accountable and trusted by the people they serve.

The Embassy of France extends its sincere thanks to CTIN, the Wits School of Governance, Ambassador Ayanda Dlodlo, Jean Spiri, and all participants for contributing to an insightful and engaging discussion.