Course description

THE CONFERENCE

In an era where public expectations are rising and resources are increasingly constrained, effective strategic planning has never been more critical to the success of public sector projects. The 2025 Strategic Planning Conference brings together policymakers, practitioners, development partners, and thought leaders to explore how strategic planning can be harnessed to drive impactful and sustainable public service delivery.

Under the theme “Strengthening Public Sector Projects through Strategic Planning,” this conference will examine best practices, innovative frameworks, and real-world case studies that highlight the role of forward-thinking strategy in shaping economic and social development. From aligning national priorities with development goals to improving project implementation and accountability, the discussions will focus on practical approaches to enhance efficiency, adaptability, and results in the public sector.

This forum serves as a vital platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and capacity building—empowering institutions to not only plan better, but to deliver better. Join us as we shape a roadmap for stronger governance and transformative development outcomes through strategic foresight and evidence-based planning.

By the end of the conference, participants will be able to:

§  understand the principles and importance of strategic planning in the context of public sector project implementation;

§  apply practical tools and frameworks to improve the design, execution, and evaluation of public sector development projects;

§  identify common challenges and risks in strategic planning processes and explore evidence-based strategies to mitigate them;

§  analyze real-world case studies that demonstrate successful integration of strategic planning into public sector initiatives;

§  align project goals with organization development plans, policy priorities, and sustainable development objectives;

§  enhance institutional capacity for strategic thinking, resource planning, and long-term impact forecasting;

§  engage in peer learning and networking to exchange experiences, innovations, and best practices in public administration; and

§  develop action points or policy recommendations to strengthen strategic planning within their respective institutions or sectors.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

§  Senior Government Officials and Policy Makers

§  Strategic Planners in Public Institutions

§  Project Managers and Coordinators in Government Agencies

§  Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialists

§  Economists and Development Planners

§  Representatives from Ministries of Finance, Planning, and Local Government

§  Directors and Managers of Public-Sector Projects

CONFERENCE Modules

Module 1: Foundations of Strategic Planning in the Public Sector

Objective: Build a shared understanding of what strategic planning means in government and development contexts.
Topics Covered:

·       Principles of strategic planning

·       Strategic vs operational planning

·       The role of public institutions in long-term planning

·       Policy coherence and alignment with national development goals

Session Format: Keynote + Panel Discussion

Module 2: Designing Effective Public Sector Projects

Objective: Equip participants with tools to design impactful, well-aligned development projects.
Topics Covered:

·       Theory of Change and Logical Frameworks

·       Problem identification and stakeholder analysis

·       Linking project design to policy outcomes

·       Gender, inclusion, and sustainability in project planning

Session Format: Interactive Workshop + Case Study

Module 3: Strategic Resource Planning and Budget Alignment

Objective: Explore how strategic plans are translated into budgets and resource allocations.
Topics Covered:

·       Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF)

·       Budgeting for results

·       Financing strategies for long-term projects

·       Inter-agency coordination and donor alignment

Session Format: Expert Presentation + Simulation Exercise

Module 4: Implementation and Adaptive Management

Objective: Strengthen capacity to manage projects effectively and adapt strategies during implementation.
Topics Covered:

·       Translating plans into actions

·       Managing for flexibility and changing contexts

·       Adaptive leadership and decision-making

·       Public-private and community partnerships

Session Format: Breakout Sessions + Facilitated Discussion

Module 5: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)

Objective: Highlight how strategic monitoring improves accountability and project success.
Topics Covered:

·       Developing performance indicators

·       Linking M&E to planning cycles

·       Using data for course correction

·       Learning loops and institutional memory

Session Format: MEL Lab + Group Exercise

Module 6: Innovation and Best Practices in Strategic Planning

Objective: Showcase innovations and lessons from successful institutions and countries.
Topics Covered:

·       Digital tools for planning and M&E

·       Case studies from Africa and beyond

·       Public sector innovation labs

·       Community-driven planning approaches

Session Format: Lightning Talks + Peer Exchange

Module 7: Action Planning and Commitments

Objective: Enable participants to consolidate lessons and translate them into actionable steps.
Topics Covered:

·       Institutional self-assessment

·       Drafting strategic improvement goals

·       Peer feedback and mentoring

·       Creating institutional action roadmaps

Session Format: Guided Planning Workshop

Closing Session: High-Level Reflections & Call to Action

·       Summary of key takeaways

·       Reflections from partners and stakeholders

·       Commitment pledges from participants

·       Awarding of certificates

What will i learn?

• Understand the principles and importance of strategic planning in the context of public sector project implementation;
• Apply practical tools and frameworks to improve the design, execution, and evaluation of public sector development projects;
• Identify common challenges and risks in strategic planning processes and explore evidence-based strategies to mitigate them;
• Analyze real-world case studies that demonstrate successful integration of strategic planning into public sector initiatives;
• Align project goals with organization development plans, policy priorities, and sustainable development objectives;

Frequently asked question