In compliance with the just-ended ACBF operational reforms, the first internal workshop to disseminate key policies and procedures was held in Nyanga, Zimbabwe. This workshop not only provided a platform for the dissemination of the manuals, but also allowed for interactive exchanges between staff and the policy formulators, nurturing a common understanding of the provisions and requirements of the manuals, and providing staff with the necessary guidelines when executing their duties.

The Foundation recognises that manuals are living documents which have a direct bearing on how ACBF’s core business processes are operationalised. The workshop would also provide an opportunity for the initial application of a results-oriented approach in operations and strategic programming activities.

The workshop’s objectives were to fully disseminate the Operations Manual, the Procurement Manual for ACBF Grantees, the Monitoring and Evaluation Policy, the revised Travel Policy, the Disbursement Manual and the Host Country Agreement to identified ACBF staff. The aim was also to build a shared understanding and consensus among staff on key manual’s requirements and provisions; provide a platform for engaging in interactive discussions between the Policy Formulators and staff, as well sharing good practices, lessons and innovations. The workshop also presented an opportunity for new staff to be inducted on the key manuals that will govern their work and enabled an interactive exchange between old and incoming staff members, thereby strengthening team rapport of the Foundation.

Closing the workshop Grace Kaimila–Kanjo, ACBF’s Chief Operating Officer stated that this was a very fruitful workshop by all accounts, adding that the quality of presentations and frank discussions that went on in the last four days were an eye opener for everyone. She said: “It would not be an exaggeration if we said we will be leaving this place far much more enlightened of the business of ACBF and the role of each one of us in it. I am sure we are now well informed of the core business of the Foundation, which is to build capacity on the African continent.  We have learnt how that is done, from the beginning to the end through the projects we support.  We have been taken through the project cycle and the various processes that are undertaken, and have learnt who is responsible for doing what and how!  There is a whole gamut of policies and procedures that we have gone through, all of which are aimed at regulating the way we do business in delivering the operational program.”