GonetAfrica Concludes Financial Management Capacity Strengthening Training for ARN Members

GonetAfrica Inc., through its professional development arm Gonet Academy, has successfully concluded a 12-day Financial Management Capacity Strengthening Training for members of the Amplifying Rights Network (ARN). The training, implemented in partnership with the Swedish Association for Sexuality Education (RFSU) and supported by the Swedish Embassy in Liberia, brought together 19 participants from 11 diverse civil society organizations, women-led initiatives, and advocacy platforms.

Over the period of four weeks (August 4 – 29, 2025), participants engaged in intensive modules on introduction to financial management, budgeting and forecasting, financial reporting, internal controls and compliance, governance, cash management, and digital finance tools (QuickBooks and Excel), contextual to nonprofit organizations. The training aimed to close critical capacity gaps identified in the 2022 RFSU Liberia Risk Assessment, which highlighted weak internal controls and documentation practices among partner organizations.

The training commenced on Day 1, August 4, 2025, with an opening session that brought together key stakeholders, facilitators, and participants. The session began with formal remarks from senior representatives of both GonetAfrica and RFSU Liberia, each underscoring the importance of financial accountability and capacity strengthening within the Amplifying Rights Network (ARN).

Mohammed Kerkulah, Founder & CEO of GonetAfrica and Gonet Academy, opened the session by emphasizing the broader purpose of the training: “This training is not just about strengthening systems; it is about empowering organizations with the skills and tools to manage resources responsibly, earn donor trust, and deliver meaningful impact for the communities they serve.”

Speaking on behalf of the donor partner, Aminata Kamara-Sneh, Country Focal Person, RFSU Liberia, highlighted the strategic significance of the training: “Financial accountability is the foundation of sustainable partnerships. By investing in this training, we are building stronger institutions that can uphold transparency, advance human rights, and sustain the work of the Amplifying Rights Network.”

The training concluded on Day 12, August 29, 2025, with a formal closing ceremony attended by key stakeholders, facilitators, participants, and a representative of the Swedish Embassy in Liberia. The session provided an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the training and to recognize the commitment of participants throughout the four-week program.

Mohammed Kerkulah, Founder & CEO of GonetAfrica and Gonet Academy, commended participants for their dedication and underscored the long-term impact of the program: “This training has equipped you with practical tools and frameworks to strengthen accountability and enhance donor confidence. The challenge now is to translate these lessons into daily practice, ensuring your organizations remain transparent, credible, and sustainable.”

Representing the donor partner, John Meshach Barkemeni, Finance Manager, RFSU Liberia, emphasized the importance of institutionalizing the skills gained: “What has been learned here must be embedded in systems and processes, not just in individuals. This is how organizations will continue to grow stronger, even through transitions.”

Richmond J. Salami, Program Quality and Delivery Manager, GonetAfrica and Gonet Academy, highlighted the evidence-based design of the program and encouraged participants to remain ambassadors of financial accountability: “The results of the pre- and post-training assessments confirm remarkable growth. Beyond numbers, this training has demonstrated that with the right tools, participants can bridge gaps and drive meaningful change in their organizations.”

In a keynote reflection, Wheamar B. Krah, Comptroller, Swedish Embassy Liberia, applauded the program’s outcomes and reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to supporting accountability initiatives: “The Embassy is proud to see such tangible results. Financial accountability is the cornerstone of effective development, and we expect that the skills gained here will directly strengthen Liberia’s civil society and its ability to deliver impact.”

Throughout the program, participants expressed appreciation for the practical orientation, interactive facilitation, and real-world case studies. Many highlighted budgeting, reporting, and internal controls as transformative aspects of the training. One participant noted, “I learned that every voucher must have a number. I also learned about full disclosure.” Another added, “The training was impactful, and it deepened my knowledge of financial management.”

The impact was also evident in the pre- and post-training assessments, which showed significant improvements in knowledge and confidence across all skill areas. Budgeting, internal controls, financial reporting, and compliance recorded the strongest gains, while digital finance tools emerged as a key area for further investment.

The closing ceremony ended with the presentation of certificates to all 19 participants who completed the training, followed by a group photo capturing the collective achievement.

With this milestone, GonetAfrica reaffirmed its commitment to building accountable, transparent, and sustainable organizations in Liberia. By equipping civil society actors with stronger financial management skills, the organization is helping to ensure that resources are effectively used to advance gender equality, human rights, and community development.