Strengthening institutions for effective economic management and accountability
Strong economic and social governance systems shape development outcomes across Africa.
Fiscal policy, public financial management, and domestic resource mobilization determine how countries finance development, deliver services, and sustain economic growth. Many countries continue to face constraints that limit the effectiveness of these systems.
Economic outcomes depend on the strength of institutions, leadership, and policy frameworks that guide decision-making and resource allocation.
At ACBF, we strengthen the systems and institutions that enable effective economic management and accountable governance.
Our work contributes directly to Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals by supporting fiscal stability, institutional performance, and evidence-based policymaking.
Where The Challenge Lies
Economic governance systems across Africa face structural and capacity constraints that limit performance.
Fiscal policy decisions are not always supported by sufficient independent evidence. Public financial management systems require stronger leadership and governance capacity.
Budget transparency and accountability mechanisms need to be reinforced. Domestic resource mobilization remains a critical priority for reducing reliance on external financing.
These limitations affect governments’ ability to implement reforms and deliver development outcomes.
Limited analytical capacity weakens policy design. Gaps in leadership and coordination slow reform implementation. Weak institutional systems reduce accountability and efficiency in the management of public resources.
These challenges require coordinated and sustained capacity development to strengthen governance systems and improve economic performance.
What We Do Differently
ACBF strengthens economic and social governance through targeted capacity development, policy support, and institutional strengthening. We focus on:
We focus on:
Strengthening leadership and governance in public financial management systems.
Enhancing domestic revenue mobilization through taxation policy training and dialogue
Supporting evidence-based and purpose-driven policymaking through macro-fiscal analysis and research.
Promoting institutional coordination, accountability, and policy engagement
This approach strengthens institutional performance, improves policy outcomes, and supports more effective management of public resources.
How We Work: A Systems Active Approach
ACBF delivers this work through complementary programs that strengthen leadership, institutions, and knowledge systems. Key initiatives include:
- The Leadership Excellence in Africa’s Public Sector (LEAPS) program — Which strengthens leadership capacity among senior public financial management officials
- The Strengthening Public Financial Management Analysis, Research and Institutions program — Which supports macro-fiscal think tanks to generate policy-relevant analysis and strengthen accountability
- The Building Excellence in Taxation and Administration initiative — Which strengthens capacity in taxation policy and domestic resource mobilization
- The Public Administration Reforms Community of Practice, developed in partnership with OECD — Which promotes policy dialogue and peer learning across countries.
These initiatives strengthen institutional systems that support effective governance, fiscal policy implementation, and reform delivery.
Impact in Numbers
Across Africa, the program is delivering measurable results:
Senior public financial management leaders trained across five countries
Senior officials supported across Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, The Gambia,Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe to strengthen reform implementation.
Public financial management officials supported across eight countries
Executive coaching sessions delivered alongside 12 group coaching sessions to strengthen leadership capacity
Leadership case studies developed across six country contexts
Participants reached across 50 African countries through taxation and policy training
Country-level impact includes:
Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, The Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe
Multiple country contexts
Beyond institutional strengthening, ACBF is also investing in system-wide enablers. The program strengthens macro-fiscal think tanks, policy platforms, and peer learning mechanisms that support evidence-based policymaking and accountability across countries.
Beyond governance: enabling sustainable development
This work is about more than improving systems.
It is about enabling countries to:
- Improve fiscal decision-making and policy design
- Strengthen domestic resource mobilization
- Enhance transparency and accountability in public financial management
- Support effective implementation of economic reforms
In doing so, ACBF supports a shift from fragmented governance systems to coordinated, accountable, and high-performing institutions.
Partner with ACBF
Join us in strengthening the institutions and systems that enable effective governance and sustainable economic development across Africa.
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