Governance leaders and stakeholders from across Africa have convened in Namibia for the 2nd Africa Management Development Institutes Network (AMDIN) conference, hosted by the Namibia Institute of Public Administration and Management (Nipam).
The conference, held under the theme “Transformative Public Service Leadership for Sustainable Development and Inclusive Growth in Africa,” spans three days from Monday to Wednesday at the Nipam campus.
The event has attracted over 150 participants from various partners and member institutions across the continent, reflecting the growing commitment to strengthening public sector leadership and governance in Africa.
As the host institution, Nipam plays a pivotal role not only in managing logistics and coordinating the reception of both local and international delegates but also in driving local participation and engagement. According to a statement from Nipam’s communications department, “Overall, Nipam’s role goes beyond logistics, as the institution has been actively driving local participation and engagement since being awarded the responsibility to host the event.”
The conference’s agenda centers on enhancing transparency and accountability mechanisms, combating corruption, and promoting integrity-driven, ethical leadership as the foundation of trust and legitimacy in public service.
Delegates will deliberate on ways to strengthen oversight and regulatory frameworks, ensuring leadership practices are aligned with constitutional and democratic principles.
A key feature of the conference is the presentation of case studies on governance and ethics reforms from various African countries, offering practical insights and lessons to improve public sector leadership continent-wide.
Nipam’s statement emphasized that the conference aims to build a shared understanding among AMDIN member countries of effective governance and accountability strategies.
“By the conclusion of the conference, participants will have a shared understanding of strategies to enhance governance and accountability, practical insights and case studies on institutional capacity building, policy recommendations for leveraging digital transformation in governance and frameworks for promoting gender equity, youth empowerment, and inclusive leadership,” the statement said.
In addition to policy discussions, the conference will raise awareness of the importance of partnerships and regional collaboration. It is expected to produce actionable recommendations for building resilient public services, as well as policy briefs and frameworks ready for adoption by member states and institutions.
AMDIN’s membership includes Management Development Institutions (MDIs) from across Africa, all of whom are expected to participate in the event. The network’s inaugural conference took place in May 2025 in Accra, Ghana, where it was agreed that the second edition would be hosted by Nipam in Windhoek in 2026.
The Accra conference highlighted ongoing challenges facing public services in Africa, including limited institutional capacity, governance gaps, socio-economic disparities, weak accountability mechanisms, and digital exclusion. However, it also acknowledged emerging opportunities through digital transformation, regional integration, and increasing citizen demand for inclusive governance.
It was therefore resolved that, “in order to promote effective governance, innovative leadership, and resilient institutions—key to achieving the aspirations of the African Union Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—the conference should be held annually.”
For Nipam, hosting the conference is a strategic opportunity to bolster its status as a centre of excellence in public administration and management training on the continent.
“The conference will strengthen the institution’s position as a centre of excellence in public administration and management training on the continent. It is an opportunity to showcase its work, build strategic partnerships with other institutes across the continent and beyond. This will also enhance Nipam’s capacity through knowledge exchange and collaboration,” the institution noted. Furthermore, the event is expected to elevate Namibia’s profile in regional and international governance circles, positioning the country as a leader in promoting good governance, accountability, and ethical leadership throughout Africa.
As the three-day conference unfolds, all eyes are on the outcomes that will shape the future of public service leadership and governance in Africa, with Namibia playing a central role in this transformative journey.