Course Description

This course offers an in-depth exploration of public finance principles and the budget preparation process within government and public sector institutions. The course covers key aspects of financial planning, revenue generation, expenditure management, and accountability mechanisms essential to sound public financial management. Participants will gain practical skills in budget formulation, analysis, and monitoring, with a focus on aligning financial planning with policy priorities and development goals. The course is ideal for public administrators, financial officers, and policy makers involved in budget-related functions.

Course Objectives

The objectives of the course are to enable participants to:

• • understand the principles, goals, and scope of public finance and budgeting.
• • learn the full budget cycle, from planning and preparation to approval, execution, and evaluation.
• • explore methods for estimating revenues and forecasting expenditures.
• • gain familiarity with budget classification systems, formats, and documentation.
• • strengthen capacity to ensure transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline.
• • apply budgeting techniques in real-world public finance contexts.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• • define the role of public finance in economic management and service delivery.
• • describe each stage of the public budget cycle and its key actors.
• • prepare basic budget proposals aligned with policy and program priorities.
• • analyze and interpret public budget documents and financial statements.
• • apply tools for budget monitoring, control, and performance evaluation.
• • promote good governance practices through transparent and accountable budgeting.