Learning Lab: Public Financial Management
Learning Lab: Public Financial Management
February – May 2026 | Virtual Learning Lab
The Africa Systems Change Community of Practice (CoP) successfully convened the PFM Learning Lab, a four-part virtual learning journey designed to strengthen partners’ understanding of Public Financial Management (PFM) systems and their role in driving sustainable systems change.
Held between February and May 2026, the Learning Lab brought together practitioners from across the Africa CoP network to explore how public resources are mobilized, allocated, managed, and monitored and how these processes can be leveraged to advance accountability, citizen participation, and long-term institutional change.
Structured as four highly interactive 90-minute sessions, the series combined practical tools, peer learning, and expert insights to help participants identify strategic opportunities for influence within complex public finance systems.
Key Learning Themes
Throughout the series, participants:
- Mapped PFM systems and power dynamics within their national contexts.
- Identified strategic entry points for influence and accountability across the budget cycle.
- Examined how systems change initiatives align with PFM processes and institutional structures.
- Assessed organizational capacities needed to sustain long-term engagement and impact.
A Collaborative Learning Experience
The Learning Lab emphasized practical application and peer exchange. Through real-world examples, case discussions, and facilitated reflection, participants deepened their understanding of how financial systems shape development outcomes and explored approaches for strengthening government ownership, transparency, and accountability.
The series also provided a valuable platform for cross-country learning, enabling participants to share experiences, challenges, and emerging practices from diverse contexts across the continent.
Looking Ahead
The PFM Learning Lab reinforced the critical role that public financial management plays in achieving sustainable systems change. The insights, tools, and connections developed through the series continue to support Africa CoP partners as they navigate complex systems and pursue lasting institutional transformation.
