Building High Performance Governments: CIG Concludes 2025 Strong Nations for Africa Programme

September 5, 2025

SINGAPORE, 5 September 2025 – The Chandler Institute of Governance (CIG), in partnership with the African Association for Public Administration and Management (AAPAM), has successfully concluded the third and final segment of the 2025 Strong Nations for Africa Programme (SNFAP).

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"This final segment is about more than case studies and site visits. It is about generating ideas, drawing inspiration, and sharpening our collective imagination. It is also about building relationships and strengthening networks, because the work of nation-building cannot be done alone — it is sustained through collaboration, trust, and shared purpose across borders."

said Mr Ho Wei Jiang, Dean of the Chandler Academy of Governance, during his opening remarks.

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From Africa to Singapore – Building Wise, Prosperous and Unified Nations

Building on the momentum of Segment 1, participants first gathered virtually for dialogues with former public sector leaders – Prof Rodney Scott and Mdm Yoliswa Makhasi – two weeks before their arrival in Singapore. These conversations allowed participants to reflect openly on the moral foundations of leadership and the challenges of balancing politics with civil service, while staying true to public service values.

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Prof Rodney Scott (top centre) reflects on the importance of self-leadership in the context of civil service work, and Mdm Yoliswa Makhasi (top right) shares insights on navigating leadership in the African public sector during the virtual sessions

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Arriving in Singapore with stronger bonds and renewed purpose, the cohort spent the week exploring various levers to build wise, prosperous and unified nations.  Discussions centred on public sector integrity, performance management, innovation and entrepreneurship, national unity, and strategies for fostering cohesive societies. These were paired with on-the-ground learning experiences that brought policy to life.

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Mr Derek Tan (left) shares how Singapore’s public sector builds capability and accountability through values-based human resource practices and Prof Soh Kee Hean (right) leads a session on building trust and institutional integrity through shared values and leadership culture

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At the Housing & Development Board (HDB) Hub, participants examined the evolution of Singapore’s public housing model and its pivotal role in nation building. The Heartland Journeys deepened this learning through immersive neighbourhood visits, where participants explored how community services and public spaces can be designed to better meet citizen needs, encourage inclusion, and strengthen cohesion.

At Changi Airport, participants learnt how vision, long-term planning, and operational excellence converge in shaping national infrastructure, providing a practical example of how strategy, when implemented effectively, can drive lasting results.

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Mr Yap Chin Beng explains how housing design and policy can foster inclusion, stability, and a shared national identity at the HDB Hub

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Participants explore Singapore’s heartlands (Bishan, Toa Payoh, Bedok and Tampines), reflecting on how policy, urban design, and community services work together to build cohesive societies

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At Changi Airport, participants explore how strategic planning and service excellence combine to create world-class infrastructure

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Beyond planning and execution, governments also play a pivotal role in enabling innovation and fostering unity. Participants explored how the public sector can nurture entrepreneurship, support workforce development, and build ecosystems that drive innovation and economic growth.

This sparked deeper conversations on the various roles played by governments, not only as regulators but also as enablers. Participants discussed how public leaders can create space for experimentation, build stronger partnerships with the private sector, and empower citizens to co-create solutions.

Given Africa’s diverse context, participants also reflected on how unity can be forged while respecting differences. They discussed the importance of inclusive policymaking, community engagement, and transparent communication in bridging divides and earning public trust.

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Mr Lam Yi Young (left) shares lessons from Singapore’s experience in enabling innovation and entrepreneurship through effective public policy, and Ms Dawn Yip (right) leads a session on how inclusive leadership and national narratives can strengthen unity in diverse societies

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The Journey Forward

As the 2025 SNFAP concludes, what endures is not only the knowledge gained but the community built. We celebrate the addition of another inspiring cohort of leaders into the CIG alumni community, bound by a shared passion and commitment to building high performance governments for Africa’s future.

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About the Chandler Institute of Governance (CIG)

The Chandler Institute of Governance (CIG) is a non-profit organisation that works with governments worldwide to build a strong and efficient public sector. We are a team of seasoned government practitioners grounded in real-world experience, focusing on the critical ‘how’ of governance in our partnerships with governments to strengthen institutions and systems, equip leaders, and share knowledge. Drawing on proven practices from Singapore and around the world, we tailor our solutions to each country’s unique needs – because context matters in governance. We are not affiliated with any national government or political party, and we do not represent any partisan or commercial interests. 

For more news and information, visit https://www.chandlerinstitute.org or follow CIG on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn @ChandlerINST

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For media clarifications, please contact:

Chandler Institute of Governance
Email: communications@chandlerinstitute.org