Financial Governance in Public Sector in Africa: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

: This study examines the effectiveness of financial governance reforms and their implications for public sector performance in Africa using a qualitative meta-synthesis approach. Guided by the pragmatic research paradigm and informed by Agency Theory, Theory of Evaluation, and Institutional Theory, the study synthesized evidence from peer-reviewed literature. One hundred studies were identified through PRISMA screening, of which twenty met the inclusion criteria for final analysis. The findings identified five major dimensions of financial governance: fiscal accountability and transparency, institutional strengthening and capacity building, digital financial management systems, budget control and expenditure monitoring, and regulatory compliance and audit reforms. Effective financial governance was found to improve accountability, transparency, financial reporting, resource utilization, and public trust. However, weak institutional capacity, political interference, inconsistent implementation, and corruption continue to constrain reform outcomes. The study concludes that strengthening governance frameworks, institutional capacity, and accountability mechanisms is essential for improving fiscal discipline and public sector performance across Africa