This paper examines African decentralization through the lens of historical-institutionalism, with emphasis on the extent to which decentralization sequences shape the extent of autonomy for sub-national governments in multi-level systems (both federal and unitary). The paper begins by noting several challenges to sequential arguments about decentralization to Africa. A key issue is endogeneity and complexity in terms of how decentralization is periodized across its political, fiscal, and administrative dimensions. To provide a closer fit between sequential theory and African realities, the paper then highlights new variables that must complement time and sequence. Looking at decentralization processes that are open-ended and ongoing across various dimensions leads to a modified sequential argument that combines changes over time with key comparative-static variables: the dynamics of political party systems and the ways these party system dynamics shape the incentives of decentralizers.
