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MEFMI trains officials on e-government and e-public finance

  • December 8, 2020
  • Posted by: admin
  • Categories: Current News, Financial Sector Management
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With the technological revolution and the rise in electronic data-based economies and platforms, the need for digitalisation in government operations is no longer an option. Therefore, to remain relevant and to conduct business in an effective and efficient manner, governments need to reshape public finance management (PFM) in a manner that is consistent with technological developments. This requires transforming data collection, processing and dissemination, as well as revamping the entire PFM system, among others. It is against this background that MEFMI conducted a three (3) week e-learning course on introduction to e-government and e-public finance.  The course aimed to assist policymakers in ensuring that their business conduct remains in line with the rapid global technological changes.

The course, which was conducted in English and Portuguese, was delivered from 26 October to 13 November 2020.  It introduced participants to concepts of digitalisation in modern tax policy and government expenditure management, including the nexus between public finance and digital money. Participants also learnt how e-public finance can enhance government services during pandemics such as the current COVID-19. The course increased awareness and knowledge of participants, putting them in a better position to explore opportunities and capitalize on digital technology to address transformation in PFM. Thus, participants gained skills on how to revamp PFM and align it with the technological revolution in order to support the process of better fiscal policy analysis.

A total of 36 officials from nine (9) MEFMI member countries, namely; Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Rwanda, Uganda and Zambia, participated in the course. The mentors for the English course were Mr. Ayman Adhair (Global Integrated Management Consulting) and Dr. Sayed Timuno of the MEFMI Secretariat. Professor Antonio Franco (Independent consultant) mentored participants in the Portuguese course.

Prepared by Sayed Timuno