African countries are grappling with skill gaps, weak governance structures, and insufficient technical expertise that impede sustainable development in the face of pressing challenges.
Director of the African Development Institute, Dr Eric Ogunleye, said this on the sidelines of the ongoing 2024 African Economic Conference (AEC) in Gaborone, Botswana.
He said the ADI, recognising the importance of capacity building, was increasing efforts to bridge these gaps, particularly in public financial management, digital innovation, climate resilience, and policy formulation.
“The ADI-ECAD is working to empower policymakers and practitioners across the continent through a range of targeted programmes and strategic partnerships.
“One of its flagship initiatives, the Virtual Capacity Development Academy (VCDA), is pivotal in addressing these gaps.
“By leveraging technology, this online platform is democratising access to knowledge and providing training to individuals in rural and underserved regions, helping to overcome challenges related to infrastructure and accessibility,” he said.
According to Ogunleye, the VCDA represents a breakthrough in reaching participants in remote areas, ensuring that even the most underserved communities can access the tools needed for economic transformation.
“The academy offers e-learning, webinars, and online courses, focusing on critical sectors like digital economies, green technologies, and emerging sectors shaping Africa’s future.
“Artificial intelligence and data analytics, are also being incorporated to tailor training programmes to local contexts, further enhancing their relevance,” Ogunleye said.
He said the ADI is strengthening economic governance through programmes like the AEC and the Public Financial Management Academy (PFMA) in addition to its digital capacity-building efforts.
“These programmes focus on equipping African governments with the knowledge and skills to mobilise domestic resources, create evidence-based policies, and implement effective financial management strategies.
“Countries like Zimbabwe, Rwanda, and Senegal have benefited from tailored technical assistance in areas such as tax reform and fiscal sustainability,” he said.
