Emmanuel Nnadozie on charting the path for Africa’s capacity agenda

The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), the African Union Specialized Agency for Capacity Development, recently concluded its annual meeting of the Board of Governors. During the meeting, Professor Emmanuel Nnadozie, the Executive Secretary of the Foundation, highlighted the key challenges and outcomes discussed. The main focus was on addressing Africa's critical technical skill shortage and capacity deficits, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ACBF recognized that the pandemic has exposed severe capacity gaps in areas such as leadership, mindset, and institutions, hindering the implementation of development strategies across the continent. As a result, policies have not translated into desired outcomes in areas like sustainable development, employment, and poverty reduction. Moving forward, the Foundation aims to continue identifying and addressing these capacity deficits, with a focus on leadership, technical skills, and institutional strengthening. Amid the ongoing crisis, the ACBF is working to support African countries in their COVID-19 recovery efforts. The Foundation developed a COVID-19 response strategy that focuses on enhancing pandemic preparedness, community-led resilience, post-pandemic socio-economic recovery, debt and macroeconomic management, and partnerships. By building capacity for governments and communities, fostering economic resilience, and managing debt sustainably, the ACBF aims to help countries navigate the short and long-term impacts of the pandemic. Partnerships play a crucial role in the Foundation's work, with collaborations established with key multilateral organizations and Pan-African institutions. The private sector is also recognized for its role in driving economic growth, employment, and social responsibility. As Africa charts its path towards capacity building and recovery post-COVID-19, strategic partnerships, innovative solutions, and inclusive growth will be vital in creating a more resilient and sustainable future for the continent.