Dogging the African public service is a complex set of interrelated social issues like HIV-AIDS, gender inequality, worsening economic inequality and increasing unemployment, while in many instances economic growth has not translated into job opportunities.

In many of the Commonwealth African countries, the public service is the largest business entity and service provider, which Angula said presents an opportunity for job creation.

He, however, cautioned that an expansion of the public service would become a threat if the sector is unable to manage wage demands while the national resource envelope is diminished.

Also important, he said, is the need for an accountable, affirming public sector that is capable of regulating the impact of economic markets on people and the environment.

The Director of Governance and Institutional Development in the Commonwealth Secretariat, Max Everest-Phillips, commented that Commonwealth states are generally more effective than non-members.

"But there is no room for complacency," he cautioned, arguing that poor governance not only impoverishes the citizenry, but also increases political instability and lowers international investment and national economic growth.

And this matters particularly because 63 per cent of the world's poor live in Commonwealth countries, he said.

Everest-Phillips said more than one million public servants across the Commonwealth need leadership development through customised support sensitive to country contexts.

He said many African countries are making headway in this regard, but successful transformation would require visionary leadership at all levels that allows for agility and adaptability to achieve growth targets.

"The importance of political leadership working together with public service leadership for achievement of national goals is critical," said Everest-Phillips.