Capacity Building Since 1978
Applied Research & Publications
Advisory & Consultancy
General Secretariat of PAID
60th Anniversary of PAID

Training leaders for inclusive development

Capacity Building Since 1978

Practice-oriented courses and diplomas that equip public, private and civil-society professionals to drive economic, social and cultural progress across East & Southern Africa.

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Pan African Institute for Development
About the Institute

Pan African Institute for Development – East & Southern Africa (PAID-ESA)

Founded in 1978, the Pan African Institute for Development-East and Southern (PAID-ESA) is an INGO advancing Africa’s economic, social and cultural development through training, applied research/publications, community support, consultancy and development projects. We aim to be the preferred centre for concerted, decent and sustainable development and uphold Neutrality, Integrity, Participation, Sustainability and Excellence, refusing any funding that compromises our neutrality.

Campus Life

A Glimpse Into PAID-ESA

A visual mosaic of our people, learning spaces, and vibrant community.

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A Message from the Regional Director

Welcome to the Pan African Institute for Development – East and Southern Africa (PAID–ESA). Amid rapid global changes, Africa stands at a decisive crossroad, rich in land, resources, and youthful energy, yet still facing gaps in food, energy, housing, education, and access to decent work. Since 1978, PAID–ESA has built the capacity of leaders and institutions through training, research, and consultancies, turning intention into impact. In our region, we advance anticipatory action, migration and development, PeaceTech, environmental peace building, social protection, and humanitarian action. We also prioritize women, peace and security, youth empowerment, and leadership for policy transformation. Aligned with the AU’s Agenda 2063 and the UN SDGs, our priorities are clear: feed through agro-industrialization, power through clean energy, educate for a digital future, integrate via AfCFTA, and govern with peace and dignity. We thank our partners and alumni, and we invite you to collaborate, innovate, and help shape a prosperous and equitable Africa.
Dr. Franklin BABILA DOH

Dr. Franklin BABILA DOH

Regional Director Pan African Institute for Development – East and Southern Africa (PAID–ESA)

Academic Excellence

Transformative Programs

Discover our comprehensive range of programs designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to make a meaningful impact in development.

BSc in Banking & Microfinance Management
BSc in Banking & Microfinance Management
BSc
Business Administration

BSc in Banking & Microfinance Management

Prepares students for roles in banking, finance and microfinance through theory and practice.

3 academic years
Duration
BSc in Public Administration
BSc in Public Administration
BSc
Applied Development Sciences

BSc in Public Administration

Builds skills to plan, implement and evaluate public programs and policies.

3 academic years
Duration
Executive Master's in Project Management
Executive Master's in Project Management
Executive
Project Management

Executive Master's in Project Management

The Executive Master’s Degree in Project Management is a professionally oriented programme designed to equip experienced professionals with advanced knowledge and practical skills to plan, implement, monitor, and successfully deliver projects across diverse sectors. The programme combines global project management standards with real-world tools, case studies, and applied leadership practices to strengthen performance, accountability, and results delivery in both public and private institutions. Graduates will be prepared to lead complex projects, manage stakeholders, optimize resources, and drive sustainable development outcomes in dynamic environments.

12 months
Duration
MSc in Peace, Conflict & International Relations
MSc in Peace, Conflict & International Relations
MSc
Peace & Development

MSc in Peace, Conflict & International Relations

Masters-level focus on armed conflicts, peace and international relations with applied simulations.

2 academic years (PGD track: 1 academic year)
Duration
MSc in Humanitarian Logistics Management (M1 & M2)
MSc in Humanitarian Logistics Management (M1 & M2)
MSc
Humanitarian Studies

MSc in Humanitarian Logistics Management (M1 & M2)

Prepares professionals to lead humanitarian operations with strong logistics and project management skills.

18 months (incl. field internship), October–July
Duration
MSc in Development Programming & Regional Integration (PDIR)
MSc in Development Programming & Regional Integration (PDIR)
MSc
Project Management

MSc in Development Programming & Regional Integration (PDIR)

Advanced knowledge and practical skills for national and regional development planning and integration.

18 months (incl. field internship), October–July
Duration

Explore All Programs

Discover our complete range of academic programs and find the perfect fit for your career goals.

PAID-ESA Journal

Pan African Journal of Applied Development Sciences

PAJADS is the official peer-reviewed journal of PAID-ESA, created to amplify rigorous scholarship on development policy, institutional transformation, sustainability, innovation, and social change across Africa.

Open-access scholarly publishing rooted in Africa's development realities.

Double-blind peer review that supports academic quality and credibility.

A strong fit for policy-relevant, practice-oriented, and interdisciplinary work.

Submissions open

Publish with PAJADS

We welcome original and practically relevant scholarship from researchers, practitioners, institutions, and policy actors.

Accepted formats

Research Articles, Review Papers, Case Studies

Submission route

Online via the PAJADS journal platform

Next step

Read the author guidance and prepare your manuscript

Visit journal website

By the Numbers

Excellence in Numbers

Discover the impact and reach of PAID through our key statistics and achievements.

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Graduates & Trainees

Alumni and trainees impacting development across Africa

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Countries

International footprint across Africa and beyond

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Academic & Professional Programs

Comprehensive portfolio of academic and professional tracks

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Research Projects

Active research initiatives addressing real-world challenges

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Global Partnerships

Collaborations with universities and organizations worldwide

Our Partners

Building Strong Partnerships

PAID–ESA works closely with governments, civil society, and like-minded institutions to design, implement, and support innovative development trainings, action-oriented research and projects.

Initiative for Good Governance and Transparency (IGT)
The World Bank
Austrian Center for Peace
International Institute of Certified Forensic Investigation Professionals (IICFIP)
Pan African Coastal Foundation
D.M.A.T. Consulting KG
Humanitarian Action for Africa (HAA)
University of Yaounde II, Soa
Freedom from Hunger Campaign (FFHC), The Gambia
Coalition de la Société Civile de la Région des Grands Lacs de lutte contre l’Exploitation Illégale des Ressources Naturelles
Rebase
Prepared International (PPI)
University of Yaoundé 2-Soa
European Union
Action de Partenariat pour le Développement Communautaire (APDC)
Community Development Center (CDC)
Advances in Geographical Research (AIGR)
Refugee Welfare Association Cameroon
Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS)
Asian Disaster Preparedness Center
Swastik EduStart

Your Support Makes a Difference

We gratefully acknowledge our partners who have contributed financially, materially, or intellectually to our work.