ACBF launches plan to support Zimbabwe bureaucrats

The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) has launched its inaugural leadership development programme in Zimbabwe, aimed at addressing governance challenges and building the capacity of public sector leaders. The new initiative, titled Leadership Excellence in Africa's Public Sector (LEAPS), is part of the broader Enhancing Leadership and Governance in Public Financial Management in Africa Programme (ELG-PFM).

The LEAPS programme, which was officially launched in Harare, is designed to equip senior government officials with soft skills critical to effective leadership and governance. It comes at a time when poor governance structures have led to significant financial leakages within government and public institutions. According to the Auditor-General's Office, millions of dollars are lost annually due to inadequate governance frameworks.

ACBF Executive Secretary Mamadou Biteye Obe emphasized the importance of the LEAPS programme, noting that Zimbabwe was selected as the launch venue because it is home to ACBF's headquarters and has a strong history of partnership with the Ministry of Finance. He highlighted the uniqueness of LEAPS, which focuses on developing the leadership qualities of technically skilled senior officials.

"This initiative is more than just a training programme; it is a catalyst for building the leadership that Africa needs to drive sustainable development, achieve financial resilience, and realize our shared vision for an empowered continent," Obe said at the launch event.

The LEAPS programme aims to complement technical skills by emphasizing qualities such as integrity, ethics, adaptability, empathy, accountability, collaboration, and problem-solving. These qualities are considered essential for senior public finance managers to navigate Africa's complex fiscal environments, address global economic pressures, and implement responsive governance strategies.

The programme will be delivered through a mix of online self-paced learning, group coaching, mentorship from African public financial management specialists, and technical workshops focused on emerging public finance management issues. These workshops will include topics such as Public Financial Management (PFM) and Artificial Intelligence, Green-PFM, and managing-PFM during crisis situations.

Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion Minister Mthuli Ncube spoke at the event, emphasizing the critical role of public financial management in good governance. He stressed the need to equip Zimbabwean and African leaders with the skills necessary to address the complexities of contemporary challenges.

"PFM is fundamental to good governance. The LEAPS programme offers a unique opportunity for senior officials to engage, learn, and lead with excellence. This initiative goes beyond leadership skills development to deepen understanding of how our roles can shape the future of our institutions and improve citizens' lives," Ncube stated.

Ncube also highlighted the importance of collaboration, innovation, and resilience in the public service, expressing confidence that the LEAPS programme will bring transformative experiences to participants. The six-month leadership development journey will cover essential topics, including self-leadership, team dynamics, organizational strategies, and a deeper understanding of the public financial management ecosystem.

The LEAPS programme is set to expand to other African countries, including Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Nigeria, and Senegal, following its successful launch in Zimbabwe. It represents a significant step towards strengthening public sector governance and financial management across the continent.