THE African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) has launched its inaugural programme in Zimbabwe to build the capacity of bureaucrats amid governance deficit that has spawned leakages in government and the public sector.
The plan, Leadership Excellence in Africa’s Public Sector (LEAPS), is coming under the Enhancing Leadership and Governance in Public Financial Management in Africa Programme (ELG-PFM).
The ACBF first launched the ELG-PFM programme on the sidelines of the African Development Bank’s annual meetings in Nairobi, Kenya, on May 31 this year.
LEAPS is an initiative focusing on developing soft skills of technically affluent senior government officials, to build leadership that drives sustainable development, achieve financial resilience and Africa’s shared vision for an empowered continent.
According to the Auditor-General’s Office, millions of United States dollars are being lost annually due to poor governance structures.
“We are happy to announce the launch of the LEAPS Programme in Zimbabwe before expanding it to the other five target countries: Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Nigeria and Senegal. Zimbabwe was chosen as the official launch venue because it is home to ACBF, our headquarters,” ACBF executive secretary Mamadou Biteye Obe said at the official launch of the programme in Harare yesterday.
“Additionally, Zimbabwe was the first country where ACBF conducted the country needs assessment. We have always had a productive partnership with the Ministry of Finance, which has provided invaluable support to ACBF over the years. It is only fitting that we launch this programme here.”
He said the LEAPS programme stood as a beacon for what the public service can achieve.
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“This initiative, which is a first of its kind, focusing on the soft skills of technically affluent senior government officials, is more than a training programme --- it is a catalyst for building the kind of leadership Africa needs to drive sustainable development, achieve financial resilience and realise our shared vision for an empowered continent,” Obe added.
LEAPS comes amid Africa’s challenges of complex fiscal landscapes, global economic pressures and the need for responsive governance.
ACBF is seeking to equip senior public finance managers not only with technical knowledge, which most of them already have, but with soft skills and human qualities needed to drive change.
LEAPS seeks to do this by deliberately focusing on vision ownership, integrity, ethics, adaptability, empathy, accountability, collaboration, problem-solving and negotiation skills among other qualities.
“The LEAPS programme will be delivered through a blend of online self-paced learning, individual and group coaching, mentorship from renowned African PFM [public finance management] specialists and technical workshops on emerging issues in public financial management, including PFM and AI, Green PFM and PFM in crisis times,” Obe said.
Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion minister Mthuli Ncube said PFM was fundamental to good governance.
He added that it was imperative that local leaders be equipped with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of today’s challenges.
“The LEAPS programme, therefore, offers a unique opportunity for senior officials from various public financial management institutions in Zimbabwe and across the continent to engage, learn and lead with excellence,” Ncube said.
“...This initiative goes beyond merely developing leadership skills; it also fosters a deep understanding of our roles in shaping the future of our institutions and improving the lives of our citizens.”
He said this initiative underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation and resilience in public service.
“I am confident that the LEAPS programme will provide similar transformative experiences for all participants. Through the programme, you will embark on a transformative six-month leadership development journey tailored specifically to our unique African context,” Ncube said.
“This comprehensive curriculum covers essential topics, including self-leadership, team dynamics, organisational strategies and a deeper understanding of the public financial management ecosystem.”
