Skills – The Engine of Policy Execution

Skills are the lifeblood of effective policy implementation. Public policy is about ideas translated into action, and the competence of the individuals and institutions involved determines whether those ideas thrive or flounder. While the vision of a policy may be grand, without the right skills to design, execute, and adapt it, even the best-intentioned efforts will fall flat. Conversely, skilled policymakers bring so much wisdom into how governments deliver on their mandate and promises.

In public policy, skills operate on multiple levels. Policymakers require analytical skills to craft sound policies, negotiation skills to build consensus, and foresight to anticipate challenges. On the other hand, the bureaucrats and technocrats who implement these policies need the technical know-how to translate concepts into actionable programs. Then there are the citizens, whose awareness and participatory skills can significantly influence a policy’s reception and success.

Take Singapore as an example of how skills have driven public policy success. In the 1960s, this small nation, lacking natural resources, recognized that its greatest asset was its people. Under the leadership of Lee Kuan Yew, the government prioritized education, vocational training, and leadership development, ensuring a constant supply of skilled professionals to drive national development. Today, Singapore’s transformation into a global economic hub is a testament to how investing in skills can elevate a nation.

Contrast this with the struggles of nations where technical and managerial skills are undervalued or mismatched to policy goals. In Nigeria, for instance, the agriculture sector holds immense potential, yet the lack of modern agricultural skills among policymakers and farmers has hindered progress. Without the capacity to design and implement cutting-edge agricultural reforms, vast opportunities remain untapped. I remember being close to the House Committee on Agriculture during the shining days of Akinwumni Adeshina, who was Minister of Agriculture under President Goodluck Jonathan. There was a glaring mismatch between the Ministry and the legislative oversight required to deepen and sustain agriculture policies. One can easily guess what was missing.

For policymakers, the question of skills is as critical as the policy itself. Do we have the right people with the right expertise to execute this vision? If not, what deliberate efforts are we making to bridge the gap? Skills development isn’t just about hiring the right talent; it’s about continuous training, mentoring, and fostering a culture of excellence within government institutions.

A great example of skill-based policymaking is Rwanda’s ICT-driven transformation under President Paul Kagame. Recognizing a gap in technical expertise, the government launched initiatives to train thousands in information technology, establishing Kigali as a regional tech hub. Skills became the engine driving policy, and today, Rwanda is one of Africa’s most digitally advanced nations. I paid close attention to this while working in Government Affairs for a private technology company based in the country. The government of this small country is so deliberate in attracting young and skilled talents from the private sector into public service. Imagine the level of quality and refinement the policymaking process will enjoy in the coming years in Rwanda. While this is not always guaranteed, it remains the only variable that can be controlled today.

To be realistic, skills aren’t just about technical ability; they include soft skills like communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. Policymakers must be adept at articulating their vision to gain public buy-in, navigating stakeholder interests, and pivoting strategies when challenges arise. Ultimately, skills are the drivers of policy execution. A nation that invests in cultivating the right competencies will consistently outperform one that overlooks them. Public policy, no matter how well-intentioned or funded, lives or dies on the altar of human capacity.