Introduction

Effective Public Financial Management (PFM) is the cornerstone of good governance and sustainable development, particularly in developing countries. Weak PFM systems can lead to corruption, inefficient service delivery, and fiscal instability, undermining citizen trust and hindering economic growth. This specialized training course provides government officials, development partners, and civil society leaders with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to design, implement, and monitor robust PFM reform initiatives that foster transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline in the public sector.

This intensive five-day program delves into modern PFM frameworks, exploring proven methodologies for budget preparation, execution, and oversight. Participants will learn how to leverage fiscal transparency, combat corruption, and utilize technology to build resilient financial systems. The curriculum is designed to be highly interactive, blending theoretical concepts with real-world case studies and best practices, equipping attendees to become agents of positive change and build a stronger, more stable financial future for their nations.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Senior Government Financial Officials
• Ministry of Finance Staff
• Parliamentary Budget and Audit Committee Members
• Public Sector Auditors
• Civil Society Organization (CSO) Leaders
• International Development Partner Staff
• Central Bank Representatives
• Economic and Fiscal Policy Analysts
• Public Sector Management Consultants
• University Researchers and Academics

Objectives

• Understand the core principles and frameworks of modern PFM.
• Analyze and diagnose weaknesses in existing public financial systems.
• Design and implement comprehensive budget and fiscal reforms.
• Enhance transparency and accountability in public spending.
• Strengthen public procurement and expenditure control mechanisms.
• Develop effective strategies for managing public debt and fiscal risks.
• Master the use of technology for PFM system modernization.
• Improve external oversight and audit functions.
• Create a roadmap for sustainable PFM reform and institutional capacity building.

Course Modules

Module 1: The Foundations of PFM Reform

• The importance of PFM for economic growth and governance.
• Key components of a strong PFM system.
• Common challenges and barriers to reform in developing contexts.
• An overview of international PFM frameworks and standards.
• Diagnosing PFM weaknesses using performance assessment tools.

Module 2: Budget Preparation and Strategic Planning

• The role of a multi-year fiscal framework.
• Linking national development plans to the budget.
• Program and performance-based budgeting approaches.
• Techniques for improving budget comprehensiveness and realism.
• The importance of citizen engagement in the budgeting process.

Module 3: Budget Execution and Expenditure Control

• Implementing robust financial controls and systems.
• Modern treasury management and cash flow forecasting.
• The role of financial management information systems (FMIS).
• Strengthening internal audit functions.
• Managing contingent liabilities and fiscal risks.

Module 4: Public Procurement Reforms

• Principles of transparent and competitive public procurement.
• Best practices in tender and contract management.
• Combating corruption in the procurement process.
• Using e-procurement systems for efficiency and transparency.
• Strengthening legal and regulatory frameworks for procurement.

Module 5: Fiscal Transparency and Accountability

• The importance of timely and accessible fiscal information.
• International standards for fiscal reporting and data dissemination.
• Mechanisms for legislative oversight of the budget.
• The role of supreme audit institutions (SAIs) in ensuring accountability.
• Promoting public access to budget information and open data initiatives.

Module 6: Public Debt and Fiscal Risk Management

• The principles of sustainable public debt management.
• Strategies for debt recording, reporting, and analysis.
• Identifying and mitigating various fiscal risks.
• The role of independent debt management offices.
• Preparing for and responding to fiscal shocks.

Module 7: Technology in PFM Modernization

• How integrated financial management information systems (IFMIS) can drive reform.
• The benefits and challenges of implementing e-government solutions.
• Using data analytics for better fiscal decision-making.
• Digital platforms for citizen feedback and accountability.
• Cybersecurity and data protection in government financial systems.

Module 8: Audit and External Oversight

• Strengthening the independence and capacity of Supreme Audit Institutions.
• Performance auditing and value-for-money analysis.
• The role of legislative committees in scrutinizing public accounts.
• Engaging with civil society for independent budget oversight.
• Following up on audit recommendations and enforcing compliance.

Module 9: Managing the Reform Process

• Developing a phased PFM reform strategy and action plan.
• Building political will and managing stakeholder expectations.
• The role of donor coordination and technical assistance.
• Monitoring and evaluating the impact of reforms.
• Institutionalizing reforms for long-term sustainability.

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.