This training for NSO leaders from across Africa took place in Cotonou, Benin from 26-29 May 2026. The Enhancing Statistical Leadership programme is a valued opportunity for NSO leaders from Africa to meet, learn, share and take away new ideas and approaches to implement in their day-to-day work. PARIS21 and StatAfric organised the event which was facilitated by CCL.
The 2026 cohort was made up of 21 participants from 16 countries: Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Tanzania and STATAFRIC.
The structured approach allows participants to learn key principles in leadership, such as active listening and team building, and also provides ample space for peer exchange, experience sharing and reflection. Participants are encouraged to draw key action points to apply the skills learned in their respective institutions.
An agenda and participation that supports sustained change in leadership approaches
Over several years, the training - which runs in Africa and Asia - has become a valued moment for NSO leaders to exchange experiences and ideas with peers from their region. At this year’s meeting, several directors general had opted to send their deputies or other senior managers in order for the benefits of the training to be spread throughout senior manager level in NSOs for broader and more sustainable uptake and implementation of the lessons learned.
The programme included a half-day session on Leading for Innovation in NSOs which was facilitated by PARIS21, which highlighted how Senior Managers can support a culture of innovation, what innovation means for NSOs, and what leaders need to take into consideration for AI to be used effectively across their organisations. The session ended with participants establishing their own personal innovation action plans for the next quarter.
