ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the overarching perspectives of public governance observed in most countries of the developing regions, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It draws attention to the significance of the role of public governance in postcolonial developing countries in achieving socioeconomic progress, meeting people's basic needs, and ensuring public participation. The chapter presents historical evidence to support the claim that the first generation of African political leaders failed to build a solid economic-political-social foundation necessary for sustainable long-term economic growth; and that their policy choices were growth-retarding. It examines the nexus of politics, democracy, and good governance in the developing regions, especially in Africa. The chapter reflects the fact that lack of civic engagement in public policy-making often enables authoritarian leaders to promote ineffective policies leading to endemic poverty and injustice in many developing nations.
