Accra/Harare, 19 August 2017 (ACBF) – Following the death of over 400 persons in this week’s mudslides on the outskirts of Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown, the Executive Secretary of the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) – Prof. Emmanuel Nnadozie has sent a condolence message to the Government and people of the West African Country, reassuring them of the Foundation’s willingness to support them during these trying times.
“Under these sad and tragic circumstances, our prayers go to the families of each of the victims as well to H.E. President Ernest Bai Koroma, the Government and the entire people of the Republic of Sierra Leone” said Prof Nnadozie, in the message addressed to the country’s Minister of Finance – H.E. Mr. Momodu Kargbo who doubles as ACBF Governor for the Republic of Sierra Leone.
Sent on behalf of the Board of Governors, Executive Board and Secretariat of the ACBF, the message assures the Government and People of Sierra Leone that the Foundation stands ready to work with all stakeholders of the West African nation to build the necessary capacity to avoid the repetition of the tragedy that has shocked the entire world.
Ties between ACBF and Sierra Leone have been increasingly strengthened over the years with the Foundation playing a vital role in capacity initiatives aimed at fast- tracking the country’s development following a period of civil strife that ended at the turn of the century.
ACBF’s support worth several million US dollars benefitted the Sierra Leonean Parliament for the effective discharge of its constitutional duties of legislation, representation and oversight over the executive, as well as a cross section of the Sierra Leonean Government to strengthen its capacity for effective development planning and implementation, particularly within the context of post-conflict recovery and development.
Prior to these interventions, ACBF supported the Government of Sierra Leone through the Capacity Building Initiative for Poverty Reduction Programming, Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation (PRIME – SIERRA LEONE). The Foundation has provided more systematic and targeted support to strengthen capacity for poverty reduction strategy processes in the country.
-ENDS HERE-
ABOUT the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF)
Having spearheaded and robustly coordinated capacity development programs worth over 700 million US dollars across 45 countries and 8 regional economic communities (RECs) in Africa since 1991, ACBF has gathered the requisite experience that makes it the go-to institution for expert knowledge and human resources to advise and support African countries, regional economic communities and institutions on decisive steps to take to develop the practical skills urgently required for the continent’s economic transformation.
Evidence from our cutting-edge work (constituting hundreds of knowledge publications) and the work of several partners show that Africa's development efforts are being hobbled by severe capacity deficits often in the form of shortage of critical skills, deficits in leadership, inhibiting mindsets and weak institutions. The continent’s practical skills shortage is acute in key areas such as Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Agriculture.
At ACBF, we will continue using our unmatched track record in managing financial facilities for development, our vast knowledge gathering experience thanks to the exceptional skills mix of our core staff as well as our strong strategic partnerships and networks to help countries and institutions identify their capacity needs, advise them on how to plug these capacity weaknesses and on where to find the knowledge and resources to develop the requisite capacity resources, effectively use them and retain them to achieve their short and long-term development objectives.
ACBF’s vision is an Africa capable of achieving its own development.
Support this crucial work
Leverage your own efforts geared towards Africa’s transformation, or
Partner with us by writing to:
B.Kone@acbf-pact.org (to support us with resources for Africa’s Capacity Development)
For media enquiries, contact….
Abel Akara Ticha – Senior Communication Officer
The African Capacity Building Foundation
Harare, Zimbabwe
+263 7+263-4 304663, 304622, 332002, 332014; Ext. 279
Email: A.Ticha@acbf-pact.org