In a world defined by volatility and uncertainty, the ability to anticipate and effectively respond to economic and financial crises is a defining characteristic of a successful policymaking institution. This training course is designed to equip policy teams with the strategic frameworks and practical skills needed to navigate periods of extreme stress. We will move beyond a reactive approach to a proactive one, exploring how advanced scenario planning, robust analytical tools, and clear communication can serve as the bedrock of an effective crisis response. This program is a vital resource for professionals who recognize that preparation is the key to preserving financial stability and public trust in a crisis.

This intensive five-day program delves into the art and science of crisis management, from the initial stages of early warning and vulnerability assessment to the post-crisis phase of review and reform. Participants will engage in hands-on exercises, including mock crisis simulations and war-gaming, to test and refine their decision-making processes under pressure. We will explore the critical roles of inter-agency cooperation, public communication, and international collaboration in a crisis. By the end of this course, you will be prepared to contribute to a resilient and well-coordinated response, ensuring your institution can act decisively and effectively when it matters most.

Duration: 5 days

Target Audience:

• Central bank policymakers and senior economists
• Financial stability analysts and supervisors
• Treasury and finance ministry officials
• Risk managers and strategic planners
• Government officials responsible for economic policy
• Communication and public relations professionals
• Legal and governance experts
• International financial institution staff
• Academics and researchers in macro-finance
• Executives and board members

Objectives:

• Grasp the core principles of crisis management in a policy context
• Develop a robust framework for early warning and vulnerability assessment
• Formulate and conduct advanced scenario planning exercises
• Understand the role of inter-agency cooperation and communication in a crisis
• Assess the effectiveness of policy tools in a stress environment
• Interpret the legal and governance implications of crisis actions
• Develop a post-crisis review and reform plan
• Manage public perception and communication during a crisis
• Apply lessons from past crises to inform future policy design

Course Modules: Module 1: Foundations of Crisis Management

• The nature of a financial and economic crisis
• The distinction between systemic and idiosyncratic events
• The importance of a pre-defined crisis management framework
• The institutional roles of central banks, governments, and regulators
• The concept of the "first-responder" in a crisis

Module 2: Early Warning & Vulnerability Assessment

• Identifying early warning indicators of a crisis
• The use of stress testing and macro-financial models
• Assessing the vulnerabilities of the financial system
• The role of real-time data and surveillance
• Communicating early warning signals to senior leadership

Module 3: Scenario Planning & War-Gaming

• The methodology of scenario analysis and foresight
• Designing a crisis war-gaming exercise
• Simulating policy responses under different scenarios
• The importance of a cross-functional team in planning
• Learning from the results of a simulation

Module 4: Policy Tools in a Crisis

• The central bank as a lender of last resort
• The use of unconventional monetary policy tools
• The role of fiscal policy in stabilization
• The application of macroprudential tools
• Coordinating policy with international partners

Module 5: Crisis Communication & Public Perception

• Developing a crisis communication plan
• The importance of a rapid, consistent, and transparent message
• Managing media inquiries and public narratives
• Building and maintaining credibility in a crisis
• The role of behavioral insights in communication

Module 6: Legal & Governance Frameworks

• The legal powers and limitations of a central bank in a crisis
• The role of a crisis resolution authority
• The importance of a clear decision-making process
• The legal challenges of unconventional policy actions
• Ensuring accountability and oversight

Module 7: Inter-Agency & International Cooperation

• The importance of a pre-defined cooperation agreement
• The role of international forums and cooperation
• The challenges of cross-border crisis management
• The use of swap lines and international liquidity
• Learning from global crisis responses

Module 8: Post-Crisis Review & Reform

• Conducting a comprehensive post-crisis review
• Identifying lessons learned and areas for improvement
• The importance of transparency in the review process
• The role of reform in strengthening the financial system
• The long-term impact on policy and regulation

Module 9: Case Studies & Practical Application

• Analyzing the response to the 2008 global financial crisis
• Examining a real-world regional banking crisis
• The policy response to a pandemic-related economic shock
• Applying scenario planning to a cyber-attack on the payments system
• A final comprehensive crisis simulation exercise

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.