Bad governance coupled with bad leadership is the main source of political instability, recurring violent conflict and economic poverty in Africa. Furthermore, both public and private institutions in many African countries function poorly and fail to deliver adequate services to the people because of the shortage of skilled personnel. Building sound political institutions and professional bureaucratic structures would require massive capacity infusion in all sectors and at all levels. Professionally skilled African diaspora can assist African governments in many ways, from drafting treaties, agreements and constitutions, to identifying policy priorities for social, economic and political reconstruction, and formulating strategies for implementation. They can also provide strategic advice to the governments in the homelands on diverse policy issues ranging from rebuilding justice systems to disarming militias. Furthermore, skilled African diaspora can contribute to the rehabilitation of political institutions and civil administrations badly weakened or devastated by conflict.

APDC aims to help make African diaspora expertise available for the construction of effective, responsible, transparent, accountable and democratic systems of governance in Africa. This is with the aim of making better use of the unique strategic position and the immense social capital of the African diaspora for the promotion of viable governance and democratic political life in their countries of origin.

Within this theme, ADPC carries out research and organises expert meetings.