Harare to host third Capacity Development Forum in May

Strong, successful, self-sufficient nations are generally characterised as those that build institutions and practices that allow a people to govern themselves in peaceful and prosperous ways. Effective leadership is critical to this success, as is strategy, vision, partnership and people.

Within a few decades Africa will be home to a quarter of the world's population. In order for the continent to deliver on its ambitious but pragmatic socioeconomic development agenda, Agenda 2063, robust systems, financing mechanisms and policies are needed.

The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) established a quarter of a century ago, has a long term strategy to build human, institutional and 'soft' capacities to contribute actively to the continent's structural transformation agenda.

Professor Emmanuel Nnadozie, Executive Secretary of the ACBF believes that sustainable development can only be achieved through building skills, knowledge and capabilities of African individuals and institutions, and ensuring that capacity in an integral part of pan-African policies. Such skills need to be retained and harmonised for utilisation on the continent.

Speaking ahead of the 3rd Capacity Development Forum (CDF) to be held in ACBF's host country, Zimbabwe from 3-5 May, Nnadozie said that about 500 delegates were expected in Harare to discuss how to 'Develop Capacity for Africa's Economic and Social Transformation'.

"Delegates gathering in Harare as part of our 25th Anniversary will address several important issues, with a view to moving the debate from dialogue to action. This forum will look at how Africa can innovate, emulate, replicate in order to transforms itself and make a significant impact in building the critical skills that we need. Ministers of Finance and Planning, multilateral agencies, funding partners, academics and representatives from ACBF-supported institutions will consider the capacity dimensions on Agenda 2063 and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular emphasis on the role of governments, development partners, civil society, private sector, training institutions and the media in supporting the development of capacity for Africa's economic and social transformation".