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The Centre for Public Sector Governance (CPSG) will convene its Public Sector Directors' Symposium 2026 on Thursday, 22 October 2026, to discuss how African countries can strengthen governance in public enterprises through merit-based and professional board appointments.

The virtual event, themed "Professionalisation of Board Appointments in Public Enterprises Across Africa", will bring together policymakers, regulators, board directors, governance professionals, academics, and development partners to examine reforms that can improve accountability, institutional performance, and public value.

According to CPSG, public enterprise boards play a critical role in overseeing national assets and essential services. However, appointment processes in many African countries remain vulnerable to political patronage and other considerations unrelated to governance competence.

The symposium will explore approaches for establishing transparent nomination and appointment processes based on merit, integrity, independence, and relevant expertise. Discussions will also cover director training and certification, digital governance competencies, and practical policy reforms that governments and public enterprise ownership institutions can implement.

Prof. Taiwo Afolabi, an award-winning researcher, entrepreneur, and Chartered Director, will deliver the keynote address. Other speakers include the Honourable Kelechi (Kaycee) Madu, former Deputy Premier and Attorney General of Alberta, Canada.

The session will be moderated by Zainab Ibrahim-Louisy, Head of Strategy and Transformation at the National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC). Panellists include Mohammed Kadir Segun of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Gwa Tobbie Mohammed of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). 

Dr Ernest Ndukwe, OFR, Chairman of the CPSG Board, is also expected to participate.

CPSG is a non-profit institution and public-sector-focused subsidiary of the Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria (SCGN), dedicated to promoting governance excellence, accountability, and institutional effectiveness across public sector organisations.

Attendance is free, but registration is compulsory. Interested participants can register in advance to secure a place at the virtual event.

Link for registration: https://publicsecgov.org/public-sector-directors-symposium-2026/