Introduction

In the complex landscape of international development, understanding and applying the budget frameworks of key global institutions like the IMF and the World Bank is non-negotiable for effective public financial management. These frameworks, including the Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) program and the IMF's Fiscal Transparency Code, are not just compliance requirements; they are strategic blueprints for building strong, transparent, and resilient fiscal systems. This course is designed to demystify these frameworks, providing a practical roadmap for government officials, policy makers, and development professionals to align national budgets with international best practices and unlock greater funding and support.

This comprehensive five-day program moves beyond theoretical concepts to provide a hands-on understanding of how to implement and benefit from these global standards. Participants will gain actionable skills in assessing fiscal performance, designing medium-term fiscal frameworks, and enhancing fiscal transparency and accountability. By mastering the methodologies and tools advocated by the IMF and World Bank, you will be better equipped to drive sustainable economic growth, improve public service delivery, and build a credible fiscal future for your country.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Ministry of Finance and Treasury officials
• Central Bank staff responsible for fiscal policy
• Senior government officials from line ministries
• Parliamentary Budget and Audit committee members
• International development and donor agency personnel
• Policy advisors and economic consultants
• Civil society and non-governmental organization (NGO) leaders
• Public sector auditors and accountants
• Academics and researchers in public policy
• Public enterprise and SOE management

Objectives

• Understand the core principles of IMF and World Bank financial frameworks.
• Differentiate and apply key diagnostic tools like PEFA and the Fiscal Transparency Code.
• Design and implement a robust medium-term fiscal framework (MTFF).
• Align national budget processes with international best practices.
• Enhance fiscal transparency and reduce corruption vulnerabilities.
• Strengthen public debt and risk management in line with global standards.
• Master the principles of public investment and procurement management.
• Prepare for and respond to external assessments and audits.
• Strategize for sustainable PFM reform and institutional capacity building.

Course Modules

Module 1: The Global PFM Landscape

• The historical evolution of PFM frameworks.
• The distinct roles and mandates of the IMF and World Bank.
• How PFM influences macroeconomic stability and development.
• An overview of the key pillars of modern PFM systems.
• The connection between PFM and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Module 2: Diagnostic Tools and Methodologies

• The Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) framework.
• Conducting a PEFA assessment and interpreting the results.
• The IMF's Fiscal Transparency Code and its four pillars.
• Using diagnostic findings to inform and prioritize reforms.
• Common assessment challenges and how to overcome them.

Module 3: Budgeting and Fiscal Strategy

• Introduction to Medium-Term Fiscal Frameworks (MTFFs).
• Linking annual budgets to multi-year fiscal objectives.
• The role of budget narratives and fiscal risk statements.
• Techniques for strengthening budget comprehensiveness and credibility.
• Strategies for aligning capital and recurrent expenditures.

Module 4: Public Investment and Debt Management

• The World Bank's Public Investment Management (PIM) framework.
• The process for appraising and selecting public investment projects.
• Fundamentals of public debt management and fiscal sustainability.
• Tools for analyzing and mitigating fiscal risks.
• The role of debt transparency and reporting.

Module 5: Revenue Mobilization and Tax Policy

• Principles of effective tax policy and administration.
• Strategies for broadening the tax base and improving compliance.
• The IMF’s Tax Policy and Administration assessment tool.
• The role of tax expenditures and their fiscal implications.
• Using technology to modernize revenue collection.

Module 6: Budget Execution and Financial Reporting

• Implementing a modern treasury single account (TSA).
• Strengthening internal controls and expenditure management.
• The role of Government Finance Statistics (GFS) and the GFSM 2014.
• Moving from cash-based to accrual-based accounting.
• Best practices for in-year and end-of-year fiscal reporting.

Module 7: Public Procurement and Fiscal Governance

• Principles of a transparent and competitive public procurement system.
• The World Bank's procurement framework and its key guidelines.
• Using e-procurement platforms to increase efficiency.
• Strategies for combating corruption and fraud in procurement.
• The importance of a robust legal and regulatory framework.

Module 8: External Scrutiny and Oversight

• The role and independence of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs).
• Conducting performance and forensic audits.
• The role of the legislature in budget oversight.
• Engaging with civil society and the public for accountability.
• Responding to audit findings and implementing corrective actions.

Module 9: Reform Implementation and Sequencing

• Developing a strategic PFM reform roadmap.
• Building political will and managing resistance to change.
• The importance of a phased, incremental approach to reform.
• Measuring the impact of reforms and adjusting strategies.
• Mobilizing technical assistance from international partners.

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.