Midrand, Johannesburg, 27 November 2024 (ECA) - The African Institute for Economic Development and Planning (IDEP), in collaboration with the African Peer Review Mechanism Continental Secretariat (APRM), officially launched the Workshop to validate the signature training program on the "Fundamentals of Development Planning" at the APRM/NEPAD Headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The workshop convenes experts, policymakers, and development practitioners from across Africa to discuss and strengthen the principles and practices of integrated development planning. The curriculum aims to enhance development planners’ understanding of frameworks, tools, and methodologies essential for designing and implementing effective plans that align with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The event features contributions from key stakeholders, including representatives from APRM, the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in South Africa, AUDA-NEPAD, and delegations from Zambia, South Africa, Mauritius, Malawi, and Senegal, who shared practical insights and case studies.
Bakary Dosso, Head of the Training and Research Division at IDEP, expressed appreciation to the APRM Secretariat and regional partners, for their collaboration. He emphasized IDEP’s mission to empower Africa's transformation through capacity building, research, and knowledge management. Highlighting the importance of holistic development planning, Dosso underscored the need to unite policymakers, academia, and regional institutions to tackle Africa’s unique challenges effectively. He urged participants to contribute actively to designing a state-of-the-art curriculum tailored to member states' needs.
Thulani Tshefuta, Chair of the APRM National Governance Council of South Africa, stressed the importance of long-term planning, stating, “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” He emphasized that effective national development plans (NDPs) require a clear diagnostic of challenges, actionable policy guidance, and robust monitoring and evaluation systems. Successful implementation, he noted, depends on the active involvement of all societal sectors to achieve public value.
In her opening remarks, H.E. Ambassador Marie Rose Quatre, CEO of the APRM Continental Secretariat, reaffirmed APRM's dedication to advancing governance frameworks that promote sustainable development. She highlighted the APRM's collaboration with partners such as UNDP and ECA to support Agenda 2063 through capacity-building initiatives, gender and youth programs, and agile planning methods aligned with both Agenda 2030 and Agenda 2063.
The workshop provides a platform to formulate recommendations for a comprehensive Development Planning course and to foster collaboration among national policymakers and regional institutions, paving the way for more effective and inclusive development across Africa.
About IDEP and APRM Continental Secretariat:
IDEP, a specialized training and research institution of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), is dedicated to strengthening Africa’s institutional and human capacities for effective development planning and policy formulation. APRM Continental Secretariat, a specialized entity of the African Union, promotes governance and socio-economic development through African-led peer learning and review.
This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to building robust frameworks and equipping stakeholders with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive Africa’s sustainable development.
For more information, please contact: Yacine.cisse@un.org
Issued by:
African Institute for Economic Development and Planning
E-Learning – Knowledge & Management Division
Rue du 18 Juin (behind the National Assembly)
Dakar
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Tel.: (+221) 33 829 55 00 / 33 829 55 27