The digital revolution is fundamentally reshaping finance, presenting central banks with a pivotal moment to redefine their strategic role and operational frameworks. This training course offers a forward-looking guide for policymakers and leaders to craft a comprehensive central banking strategy fit for the digital era. We will explore the profound implications of financial technology, digital currencies, and data-driven economics, equipping participants with the foresight to anticipate future trends and the tools to manage both the opportunities and the risks. This program is essential for professionals committed to modernizing their institution’s approach and ensuring its relevance in a rapidly evolving world.

This intensive five-day program delves into the critical strategic decisions that will define the future of central banking, from rethinking monetary policy transmission in a digital landscape to building a resilient and innovative payment infrastructure. Participants will gain practical insights into the policy trade-offs involved in central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), the supervision of FinTech, and the integration of new data sources. Through a combination of expert-led discussions, case studies, and strategic planning exercises, attendees will be equipped to develop a visionary and actionable roadmap for their institution’s digital transformation.

Duration: 5 days

Target Audience:

• Central bank governors and senior management
• Monetary policy committee members
• Heads of strategy and planning
• Financial regulators and supervisors
• Senior economists and research directors
• Information technology and innovation leads
• Treasury and finance ministry officials
• Policy advisors at international financial institutions
• Executives from private sector banks
• Academics and researchers in digital economics

Objectives:

• Understand the key technological and economic trends shaping the digital era
• Formulate a strategic vision for central banking in a digital landscape
• Analyze the policy implications of FinTech and digital assets
• Grasp the design and implementation challenges of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs)
• Interpret the role of data analytics and artificial intelligence in policymaking
• Develop a framework for fostering innovation while maintaining stability
• Assess the impact of digital finance on financial inclusion and consumer protection
• Evaluate governance models for a digital-first institution
• Apply lessons from global case studies to inform future strategy

Course Modules: Module 1: The Macro-Strategic Environment

• The digital transformation of finance: key drivers and trends
• The evolving role of central banks in a digital ecosystem
• The strategic imperative for institutional modernization
• The interaction of technology, policy, and market structure
• The challenges of managing change and building a forward-looking culture

Module 2: Policy for a Digital Economy

• The impact of digital payments on monetary policy transmission
• Rethinking the policy toolkit for a digital-first world
• The role of a central bank in a cashless society
• The strategic use of data to inform policy decisions
• The intersection of monetary policy and digital innovation

Module 3: Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs)

• The strategic rationale for a CBDC
• Retail vs. wholesale CBDC: design and policy implications
• The impact on financial stability and monetary sovereignty
• The role of a CBDC in a digital payments system
• Legal, governance, and technology considerations

Module 4: FinTech Regulation & Innovation

• A strategic approach to regulating FinTech
• The role of regulatory sandboxes and innovation hubs
• The supervision of digital assets and decentralized finance (DeFi)
• The challenge of technology-neutral regulation
• Balancing innovation with consumer protection and financial stability

Module 5: Data & Analytics

• The strategic value of big data for central bank operations
• Integrating alternative data sources into economic analysis
• The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in research
• Developing a data governance and analytics strategy
• The ethical and privacy considerations of data use

Module 6: Payment System Modernization

• The strategic importance of a resilient payment infrastructure
• The shift to instant and real-time payment systems
• The role of central banks as payment system innovators
• Addressing cross-border payment frictions and inefficiencies
• The governance and oversight of modern payment systems

Module 7: Organizational Transformation

• The strategic leadership required for digital change
• Building internal skills and talent for the digital era
• Fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration
• The role of partnerships with the private sector
• The organizational challenges of a distributed workforce

Module 8: Risk Management in the Digital Era

• The strategic management of cybersecurity risks
• The new landscape of operational and fraud risks
• The role of technology in risk assessment and mitigation
• The impact of digital assets on financial stability risks
• Developing a crisis management framework for a digital ecosystem

Module 9: Global Trends & Future Outlook

• The global race for digital dominance and its implications
• International cooperation on digital currencies and payments
• The role of central banks in a multi-polar financial system
• The long-term impact on financial inclusion and inequality
• A strategic roadmap for the next decade of central banking

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.