ACBF Launches LEAPS Programme to Equip Africa’s Public Sector Financial Workers

The Africa Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) has unveiled its Leadership Excellence in Africa’s Public Sector (LEAPS)programme, aimed at enhancing the skills of public sector workers within the financial sector.

Launched under the Enhancing Leadership and Governance in Public Financial Management (ELG-PFM) in Africa initiative, the LEAPS programme seeks to strengthen capacity development across the continent. The programme, introduced in Ghana on November 19, 2024, is set to expand to other African nations including Ivory Coast, Kenya, Nigeria, and Senegal.

The LEAPS programme will provide both professional and academic training focused on regulatory regimes in Africa’s public sector. At the launch event, ACBF’s Director of Programmes, Mr. Mbacke, highlighted the programme’s significance in addressing the challenges faced by Africa, such as complex fiscal landscapes, global economic pressures, and the need for responsive governance. He emphasized the necessity for senior staff in the financial sector to be equipped with both technical skills and essential soft skills.

Mr. Mbacke stated, “The skills acquired from the LEAPS programme are crucial for driving change, focusing on vision ownership, integrity, ethics, adaptability, empathy, accountability, collaboration, problem-solving, and negotiation skills. These are fundamental for placing Africa on the path of economic transformation.”

He added, “The LEAPS programme stands as a beacon for what our public service can achieve. This initiative, the first of its kind, focuses on developing the soft skills of technically proficient senior government officials, making it more than just a training programme but a catalyst for building the leadership Africa needs to drive sustainable development, achieve financial resilience, and realize our shared vision for an empowered continent.”

The programme includes a self-paced virtual school with modules on individual leadership skills, collective team leadership, organizational leadership, and leadership within the PFM ecosystems. It also covers collaboration among various organizations to realize PFM reforms.

Addressing the first cohort members, Mr. Mbacke affirmed the LEAPS programme’s commitment to the future. “As you embark on this journey, I urge you to fully embrace the opportunity, with a commitment not only to your growth but also to that of your institution and country. Together with other LEAPS alumni, you will build a network of leaders equipped to tackle tomorrow’s challenges and create a legacy of stability, transparency, prosperity, and hope for all Ghanaians,” he concluded.