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The need for training amongst African policy makers, parliamentarians, regulators and judges is clear and accepted. However, it is less clear that the systems are in place to identify the true scale of demand and to ensure that those participating in training are not subsequently lost to industry or to the brain drain to developed countries. The challenge is to find mechanisms that are appropriate, cost-effective, scalable and anchored in Africa. The use of consultants as trainers is neither cost-effective nor scalable and not anchored in Africa. Much of the commercial training available today is located outside Africa and unrelated to African markets or to the policies and practices developed within the continent. Some of it may even be counter-productive. Moreover, it is often part of a business model involving the subsequent sale of consultancy services. Training needs cannot be met at a continental level. Travel is too expensive and too difficult. National circumstances vary greatly, requiring different courses addressing different issues and in different languages. Moreover, there are few examples of pan-African networks that might be used or copied. It is better to embed training within the regional associations of regulators, though even these cover large areas and countries with very different policy and regulatory histories. The associations can identify needs, publicize events and review their success.

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