Local Economic Development Planning Training Course

Introduction

This comprehensive training course on Local Economic Development Planning equips participants with the strategies for promoting economic growth and job creation in rural regions. This training course addresses the critical need for sustainable and inclusive development in rural areas, empowering local communities, and fostering economic resilience. Participants will explore the principles and practices of effective local economic development planning, learn how to identify and leverage local assets, and develop strategies for attracting investment and creating employment opportunities.

This training course offers a thorough understanding of the key concepts and practices of local economic development planning, including strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and project management. Participants will learn how to conduct economic analyses, identify priority sectors for development, and design interventions that promote innovation and entrepreneurship. The training course will also cover topics such as infrastructure development, workforce development, and access to finance, ensuring a holistic and practical understanding. By the end of this course, attendees will be equipped to develop and implement effective local economic development plans that drive economic growth and improve the livelihoods of rural communities.

Target Audience

• Local Government Officials
• Regional Development Agencies
• Community Development Organizations
• Business Leaders
• Entrepreneurs
• Economic Development Consultants
• Researchers

Course Objectives

• Understand the principles and practices of local economic development planning.
• Learn how to conduct economic analyses and assess local assets.
• Explore strategies for attracting investment and promoting business development.
• Understand how to develop and implement strategic economic development plans.
• Learn about infrastructure development and its role in economic growth.
• Understand how to promote workforce development and skills enhancement.
• Learn about access to finance and financial inclusion for local businesses.
• Explore strategies for promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

DURATION

5 Days

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Local Economic Development Planning

• Defining local economic development and its importance
• Understanding the key principles of effective planning
• Exploring the role of different stakeholders in the process
• Understanding the challenges and opportunities in rural economic development
• Analyzing global and national trends impacting local economies

Module 2: Conducting Economic Analysis and Asset Assessment

• Learning how to conduct economic analyses at the local level
• Understanding data collection methods and sources
• Exploring tools for analyzing economic indicators
• Learning how to identify and map local assets and resources
• Understanding how to assess the competitive advantages of a region

Module 3: Attracting Investment and Promoting Business Development

• Exploring strategies for attracting foreign and domestic investment
• Understanding the factors that influence investment decisions
• Learning how to create an attractive investment climate
• Exploring programs to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
• Understanding how to promote entrepreneurship and innovation

Module 4: Developing Strategic Economic Development Plans

• Learning how to develop comprehensive strategic plans
• Understanding the key components of an effective plan
• Exploring different planning frameworks and methodologies
• Learning how to set goals, objectives, and performance indicators
• Understanding how to engage stakeholders in the planning process

Module 5: Infrastructure Development and Economic Growth

• Understanding the role of infrastructure in supporting economic growth
• Exploring different types of infrastructure (transport, energy, ICT)
• Learning how to plan and finance infrastructure projects
• Understanding the importance of sustainable infrastructure development
• Learning about public-private partnerships in infrastructure

Module 6: Workforce Development and Skills Enhancement

• Understanding the importance of a skilled workforce for economic growth
• Exploring strategies for workforce development and training
• Learning how to align education and training with labor market needs
• Understanding how to promote lifelong learning and skills upgrading
• Learning about programs to support youth employment and entrepreneurship

Module 7: Access to Finance and Financial Inclusion

• Understanding the importance of access to finance for local businesses
• Exploring different sources of financing (loans, equity, grants)
• Learning how to promote financial inclusion for SMEs and entrepreneurs
• Understanding the role of microfinance and other innovative financing models
• Learning about strategies to attract investment from financial institutions

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.