Introduction

In today's global economy, State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) play a critical role in national development, economic stability, and public service delivery. However, they face unique governance challenges, balancing commercial objectives with public mandates, political influence, and heightened demands for transparency and accountability. Effective corporate governance for SOEs is paramount for ensuring operational efficiency, mitigating corruption risks, and building public trust, ultimately driving sustainable national value. This comprehensive training course is meticulously designed to equip current and aspiring leaders, board members, and professionals within SOEs with the essential frameworks and practical strategies to navigate this complex landscape.

This 5-day intensive program will empower participants to cultivate a deep understanding of SOE-specific governance models, master risk management in public entities, and refine their ability to lead with integrity and strategic foresight in a public-private hybrid context. You will learn to balance stakeholder interests, enhance accountability mechanisms, and drive performance while adhering to public service values. By mastering these critical competencies, you will amplify your impact within SOEs, contributing to their resilience, effectiveness, and positive societal contribution.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Board Members and Directors of State-Owned Enterprises
• Senior Executives and C-Suite Leaders of SOEs
• Government Officials overseeing SOEs
• Regulators and Policy Makers
• Internal and External Auditors of SOEs
• Company Secretaries in SOEs
• Legal Counsel advising SOEs
• Public Sector Finance Professionals
• Consultants specializing in public sector governance
• Aspiring leaders in State-Owned Enterprises

Objectives

• Understand the unique governance challenges and opportunities for State-Owned Enterprises.
• Develop a strategic mindset for balancing commercial and public mandates.
• Master SOE-specific governance frameworks and best practices.
• Learn to manage political interference and enhance operational autonomy.
• Cultivate skills in risk management and internal controls tailored for SOEs.
• Enhance transparency and accountability mechanisms in public enterprises.
• Understand the principles of ethical leadership and anti-corruption in SOEs.
• Develop strategies for effective stakeholder engagement and public value creation.
• Create a personalized action plan for improving governance in your SOE.

Course Modules

Module 1: The Unique Governance Landscape of State-Owned Enterprises

• Defining State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and their diverse roles.
• Understanding the dual mandate: commercial viability vs. public service.
• Exploring the unique governance challenges faced by SOEs (e.g., political interference, accountability).
• Comparing SOE governance models globally.
• The strategic importance of good governance for national development.

Module 2: SOE Governance Frameworks and Best Practices

• Key principles of corporate governance applicable to SOEs.
• Adapting international governance codes for the SOE context.
• Designing effective board structures and composition for SOEs.
• The role of independent directors and board committees in SOEs.
• Case studies of successful SOE governance reforms.

Module 3: Balancing Commercial Objectives and Public Mandates

• Strategies for aligning SOE strategy with national development goals.
• Managing the relationship between the SOE board, management, and government shareholder.
• Developing performance contracts and clear mandates for SOEs.
• Techniques for measuring both financial and non-financial (social) performance.
• Overcoming conflicts of interest and ensuring fair competition.

Module 4: Risk Management and Internal Controls in SOEs

• Identifying and assessing enterprise-wide risks specific to SOEs (e.g., political, regulatory, corruption).
• Implementing robust risk management frameworks (ERM) in public enterprises.
• Designing and monitoring effective internal controls.
• The role of internal audit and oversight bodies in SOE governance.
• Crisis preparedness and response in a public sector context.

Module 5: Transparency, Accountability, and Anti-Corruption

• Strategies for enhancing transparency in SOE operations and reporting.
• Developing robust accountability mechanisms for SOE boards and management.
• Understanding common corruption risks in SOEs and prevention strategies.
• Implementing anti-corruption policies and whistleblower protection.
• Engaging with civil society and the public for greater oversight.

Module 6: Stakeholder Engagement and Public Value Creation

• Identifying and engaging diverse stakeholders of SOEs (e.g., government, employees, citizens, customers).
• Communicating SOE value proposition and impact effectively.
• Strategies for building public trust and legitimacy.
• The role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in SOEs.
• Balancing competing stakeholder interests for sustainable outcomes.

Module 7: Leadership Excellence and Continuous Improvement in SOEs

• Cultivating ethical leadership and integrity in SOE roles.
• Strategies for personal development as an effective SOE leader or board member.
• Building a strong network within the public and private sectors.
• Understanding board evaluation processes for SOEs.
• Creating a personalized action plan for driving governance excellence and impact in your SOE.

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.