AfDB young professionals and staff from partner institutions - the African Finance Corporation, the Islamic Development Bank, the Japan International Corporation Agency - on Monday, February 15, 2010, in Tunis, started a four-week investment appraisal and risk analysis programme.
The objective of the training is to provide an intensive course to participants. The training will focus on developing strong analytical skills through hands-on modeling and detailed case study work which incorporates all the material in the course. The material in the course will be derived from genuine case studies from a number of different sectors. The course will also involve large amounts of group work.
On successful completion of the training, participants will be able to demonstrate greater understanding of the principles as well as financial and economic analysis. "It's also expected to enable participants individually to demonstrate strong understanding with regard to developing complex spreadsheet modeling skills and being effective in written and oral communication of these concepts," Bradford University Economic Studies Head of Department, Patrick Ryan, explained.
The Bank seeks to stimulate and mobilize internal and external resources to promote investments as well as provide its regional member countries with technical and financial assistance. Staff must be able to apply advanced investment techniques to successfully deliver projects that are both commercially viable and provide strong development outcomes.
In his opening remarks, Private Sector Director, Tim Turner, underscored that the training was relevant to development experts for project preparation and formulation. "We are glad to also have staff from other institutions in this seminar... Let's work together for Africa's development," he explained, adding that "At the end of the day, you will have enhanced investment appraisal skills that will be directly applicable to your future work."
"Expectations from this course are very high. As a result-oriented institution, this course brings incredible value addition to Bank experts for their effectiveness," AfDB Young Professional, Andreata Muforo, said.
The Bank Group's ultimate objective is to alleviate poverty on the continent. To achieve its mission, the Bank undertakes both public and private sector operations in its regional member countries.
Participants Reactions
African Development bank (AfDB) young professionals and staff from partner institutions - the African Finance Corporation, the Islamic Development Bank, the Japan International Corporation Agency - on Monday, February 15, 2010, in Tunis, started a four-week investment appraisal and risk analysis programme. The training focuses on developing strong analytical skills through hands-on modeling and detailed case study work which incorporates all the material in the course. Below are participants' reactions.
Andreata Muforo, AfDB Young Professional: "Expectations from this course are very high. As a result-oriented institution, this course brings incredible value to Bank experts for their effectiveness," says Andreata Muforo.
What is the relevance of this training for young professionals?
Expectations from this course are very high. As a result-oriented institution, this course brings incredible value to Bank experts for their effectiveness. Additionally, the course is tailored to development work in Africa and therefore it is extremely pertinent to AfDB experts.
How do you hope to use the knowledge acquired in this seminar, to improve your work at the Bank?
After the training, I expect to have a robust and deeper knowledge of the Bank's project analysis process. The Africa-specific case studies will make the training even more relevant to my day-to-day work at the AfDB
Masami Fujii, Private Sector Specialist, EPSA Focal Point: "For us, the AfDB is the leading financial institution with which we need to strengthen project financing , as well as technical assistance for Africa's development," says Masami Fujii.
As a private sector specialist, what are your expectations with regard to this 4-week training on investment and how to do you hope to draw from it to be more efficient in your job?
This seminar provides me with the opportunity to gain practical knowledge on financial analysis as well as economic analysis. I have been working at the Bank for the past one year on secondment and as coordinator for AfDB-Japan project, and I think such a seminar is welcome for Bank experts to enable them fulfill their mission in the most professional way. As you can see, there are people from different backgrounds and we are going to share experiences. I think there is a lot to do together.
Are you happy with your job at AfDB?
Of course! Japan has a lot to do with Africa, with regard to development. There is more to be done to bring Japanese investments to Africa. We are working toward these objectives. For us, the AfDB is the leading financial institution with which we need to strengthen project financing, as well as technical assistance for Africa's development. We are also involved in capacity building. I am glad I am working to link Japan and Africa. I am also glad to share experiences with colleagues from various institutions and backgrounds.
Léandre Bassolé, AfDB Young Professional: «Avec les études de cas prévues, ainsi que les échanges d'expérience qui vont suivre, je pense que nous sortirons de ce programme bien renforcés au plan du choix des investissements pour mieux assumer nos responsabilités respectives, pour une Banque plus efficace », a souligné Léandre Bassolé.
Les activités de la Banque doivent être orientées vers des résultats concrets. Selon vous, à quels besoin ce séminaire à l'intention des jeunes professionnels répond-t-il ?
Cette formation à l'intention des jeunes professionnels répond à la vision de la Banque de renforcer les capacités de ses experts pour l'efficacité du développement. Pour certains d'entre nous, il s'agit d'une révision. Elle permettra à coup sûr de justifier les choix de financement des projets à la fois, pour ce qui est du secteur privé et aussi des opérations C'est l'essence du développement dans une institution qui recherche le moins de risque possible. Avec les études de cas prévues, ainsi que les échanges d'expérience qui vont suivre, lors de ce séminaire de quatre semaines, je pense que nous sortirons de ce programme, bien renforcés au plan du choix des investissements pour mieux assumer nos responsabilités respectives, pour une Banque plus efficace.
Kike Kassim, Private Equity expert, African Finance Corporation (AFC): "Sharing experience with various development partners, especially AfDB experts, will also provide other opportunities, including strengthening the existing relationship between the AfDB and AFC so that they become preferred project partners."
What are your expectations and how do you think the knowledge acquired during this seminar will help strengthen the partnership between AfDB and AFC?
As an equity specialist, this seminar is an occasion to better understand and get more insights into the core programme on investment appraisal and risk analysis. With AfDB experts, I am also glad to discover the way the AfDB thinks and reacts to projects, with regard to structure and form. I strongly believe that sharing experience with various development partners, especially AfDB experts, will also provide other opportunities, including strengthening the existing relationship between the AfDB and AFC so that they become preferred project partners. Moreover, knowledge will be shared and transferred seamlessly between the two institutions to improve infrastructure across Africa. The training is relevant for me, in particular, because it enables me think about the structure and finance of projects in a systematic manner. It is also helpful because it enables me to promptly identify the structure of potential projects I will propose for the AFC to partner with the AFDB.
Contacts
Aristide Agoungnon Ahouassou
