Applications are open for the 2027 Local Governance training under the Shiraka Training Programme, an initiative supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and delivered by The Hague Academy for Local Governance.

The programme is designed to strengthen the skills of mid-career government professionals working to improve public service delivery, citizen participation and local development. Through a combination of online learning, practical assignments and in-person training in the Netherlands, participants will explore approaches to decentralisation, inclusive governance and responsive public institutions.

The opportunity is open to eligible government professionals from selected countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Selected participants can receive scholarship support covering programme tuition and other eligible costs, with the extent of travel funding depending on their country's eligibility under the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) list.

About the Shiraka Training Programme

The Shiraka Training Programme is part of the wider Shiraka Programme developed by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support societal development across the MENA region.

The initiative focuses on strengthening public institutions and improving the delivery of services to citizens. It promotes more inclusive governance by encouraging public officials to involve communities in decision-making and public service development.

The Hague Academy for Local Governance designs and delivers training courses that combine theoretical knowledge with practical exercises, case studies and site visits. Depending on the course, the programme covers areas such as local governance, water management, public financial management, legislation and other public-sector development priorities.

Local Governance Training 2027

The 2027 training opportunity focuses on local governance, decentralisation, citizen participation and local development. It is intended for government professionals seeking practical approaches to improving governance and strengthening relationships between public institutions and the communities they serve.

Programme details

• Programme: Shiraka Training Programme – Local Governance
• Training provider: The Hague Academy for Local Governance
• Supporting institution: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands
• Format: Online training and in-person learning
• Online training, Part 1: 11 January–2 February 2027
• Online refresher: 22 March–2 April 2027
• In-person training: 19–23 April 2027
• In-person location: The Hague, Netherlands
• Application deadline: 26 November 2026
• Funding: Full scholarship support for selected eligible participants, subject to the programme's funding conditions

What Participants Will Learn

The Local Governance training is designed to help public officials strengthen their understanding of effective and inclusive local administration.

Key areas include:

• Decentralisation and the distribution of responsibilities between levels of government.
• Citizen participation in local decision-making.
• Local development planning and implementation.
• Improving public service delivery.
• Strengthening cooperation between local authorities and communities.
• Developing practical approaches to inclusive and responsive governance.

The combination of online learning and in-person training gives participants opportunities to examine governance challenges, exchange experiences with peers and explore approaches that can be applied in their respective institutions.

Important: This particular 2027 Local Governance training is not a general international scholarship open to applicants from every country. Government professionals from countries outside the listed eligibility group, including Uganda, should not assume they qualify for this course.

Scholarship and Funding Benefits

Selected participants may receive scholarship support through the Shiraka Programme.

For applicants from countries included on the OECD DAC list of official development assistance recipients, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs covers the relevant programme costs, including:

• International travel.
• Accommodation.
• Visa costs.
• Insurance.
• Course tuition fees.

For selected participants from countries not included on the OECD DAC list, international travel costs, including airfare and visa expenses, must be covered by the participant. Accommodation, insurance and tuition fees are covered by the Dutch government under the programme's stated funding arrangements.

Applicants should verify their country's classification and the applicable funding conditions before applying.

Programme Schedule

The 2027 Local Governance training takes place in three stages:

Stage 1: Online training

11 January–2 February 2027

Participants begin with online learning covering the programme's core governance concepts and practical approaches.

Stage 2: Online refresher

22 March–2 April 2027

The refresher provides an opportunity to revisit key concepts and prepare for the in-person component.

Stage 3: In-person training in the Netherlands

19–23 April 2027

Participants meet in The Hague for practical learning and further engagement with local governance approaches.

The deadline for the Shiraka Local Governance training programme is 26 November 2026.

Eligible government professionals from the listed MENA countries are encouraged to review the course requirements, confirm their scholarship eligibility and submit their applications before the deadline.

The programme offers a structured opportunity to strengthen public-sector capacity, exchange practical governance experience and develop approaches that support more inclusive and effective local public services.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached to apply for this opportunity.