African Professionalisation Initiative 2021-2025

Although the recruitment and project procurement process for the API was commenced, there were delays in setting up the permanent Secretariat. This meant that while the Embassy started funding API projects in 2021, implementation did not take place to the planned extent. Expected outcome 1: African States implementing professional capacity building initiatives that are leveraging API learning programmes and capacity building methodology. Two of the three targets under this outcome were delayed, and one was deferred. Some advancements were made, however. Seven countries - Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Ethiopia, Namibia, Eswatini - expressed interest to become first implementers of the API Learning Programmes, expected to start in 2022. Engagements is said to be ongoing to determined a solution fit for each country. Furthermore, API Learning Programmes were launched and piloted on the online learning platform with uptake expected to happen in 2022. Expected outcome 2: An independent, recognised, sustainable and impact-driven API structure is established. Certain progress was made towards securing financial independence from the partner organisations. According to the reporting, the APIs governance and administrative independence is in progress with the draft constitution and bylaws being finalized and expected to be adopted by the different boards of the partnering organisations followed by registration of the API as a legal entity. This milestone is a key target for 2022. A Francophone research study was conducted, with a report expected in 2022. The study is meant to assist in adapting the professionalisation approach (learning content and capacity building activities) of the API to Francophone countries. The reporting accounts for successes in terms of governance of the API, including reference to the work of the Interim Oversight Board and the Project Steering Committee. It also mentions the Academic Advisory Committee that continues to oversee the development of learning resources. Lastly, efforts to increase visibility have been made, which includes the development of a social media plan and publication of articles. In reflecting on the year, the API concludes that its activities and targets remain appropriate in spite of the delays. Resources The amount received from Sida in August 2021 was 6 489 000 ZAR. By the end of the year, only 884 000 ZAR had been utilized, resulting in 5 604 000 ZAR carry-over to 2022 as deferred income. In the email accompanying the financial reporting, API mentioned a request to roll-over funds to 2023. Additionally, API requested a no cost extension to the funding period, to ensure completion of all funded projects. A meeting to discuss these requests with the Embassy was held in late August 2022 where it was agreed that API will submit a formal no cost extension request. API also confirmed that it will reduce its ask for funds for the remainder of 2022 to a total of 2 711 563 SEK (instead of the planned 8.3 million SEK).

The African Professionalisation Initiative (API) is a partnership between accountants general, the accountancy profession, supreme audit institutions and accountancy academics in Africa and aims to contribute to the strengthening of Public Value Management systems in order to achieve value creation, fiscal discipline, effective resource allocation and effective service delivery to citizens. The API vision is "An African public sector capacitated with competent, ethical and influential professionals who support accountability, transparency and good financial governance.", where API works with the mission to grow the capacity of accountancy professionals in the African public sector for enhanced service delivery. For the period 2021-2023, the strategic objectives are: 1. Provide and make available quality, innovative learning and other resources 2. Support local adoption and implementation 3. Promote awareness and shared ownership through advocacy and publicity 4. Build a sustainable API Results will be achieved through support of country-led initiatives that: Strengthen the capacity of incumbents working in accounting and auditing in the public sector; Equip accountancy professionals who seek career opportunities in the public sector with the necessary appreciation of the public sector context; Work with local Professional Accountancy Organisations (PAOs) to include a public sector component in the accounting and auditing education, and training curricula.