Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was the first—and only—elected woman African head of state.

Writing for The Economist, the former president of Liberia argues that in order to achieve true democracy, governments much achieve true representation.

“The voices of young Africans calling for a better, more democratic future are growing louder,” she writes.

One of the best things government leaders can do, she argues, is to open the door to those who want more political participation—by way of the civil service.

Often the brightest and best Africans are repelled from joining the civil service. But by reflecting on how her administration rebuilt institutions that were ravaged by conflict and corruption after a decade of civil war, she offers a solution.