ACFID — Africa Centre for International Development

Who We Are

Built on African
Intelligence

The Africa Centre for International Development (ACFID) is a training, consulting and advisory firm headquartered in Douglasdale, Sandton, South Africa. Founded by experienced development professionals, ACFID was established to deliver locally informed, evidence-based, tailor-made solutions for public and private sector institutions across the African continent.

Our team collectively brings more than 50 years of experience in finance, administration, project management, economic development and human capital development. ACFID operates through a network of associates and consultants in strategic locations across Africa, delivering quality-controlled programmes in English, Portuguese and French. Training is hosted in South Africa, Nairobi, Accra, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur and other locations as required.

ExcellenceThe highest standard in every programme and engagement

IntegrityClient-centred, transparent and accountable at every step

ImpactEvidence-based solutions that drive measurable change

Our Services

Three Pillars of
Institutional Strength

ACFID focuses primarily on three areas, with training being our principal area of strategic focus. Advisory and research services extend and support our training offering — forming a complete institutional development ecosystem.

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Training Services

Instructor-led training placing delegates at the centre of learning. We deliver open-enrolment year-round programmes and fully co-designed in-house solutions — from 3–5 day courses to extended multi-week programmes across multiple sectors and disciplines.

In-House TrainingYear-Round CalendarTailor-MadeEN · FR · PTTablet Delivered

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Advisory & Consultancy

Bespoke advisory services from investment policy and capital raising to corporate and government strategy. We help governments design investment promotion strategies, develop MSME policies, attract FDI and build competitive ecosystems. Capital raising through networks in South Africa, Singapore and Dubai.

Capital RaisingIPA StrategyInvestment PolicyMSME PolicyAfCFTA

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Research Services

Rigorous quantitative and qualitative research supporting evidence-based decision making. From project appraisal and M&E to policy impact evaluations and market analysis — our research turns data into actionable intelligence across diverse sectors and disciplines.

QuantitativeQualitativeM&E ServicesProject AppraisalPolicy Analysis

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Our Vision

To deliver accessible and affordable quality training that makes our clients more efficient through targeted capacity building — and to become the largest and most influential talent transformation and advisory services provider for governments, civil society and the private sector within the African continent.

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Our Mission

The development of training programmes that promote efficient private and public services through relevant education, training and research. To be the catalyst behind institutional transformation through tailored consultancy and advisory solutions — integrating global best practices with local dynamics to deliver real, lasting impact.

Our Approach

How We
Deliver
Results

ACFID recognised early that flexibility is key in meeting client expectations. Every engagement is co-designed around your specific context — solutions are never transplanted but always locally relevant and globally benchmarked.

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Needs Assessment

We begin by thoroughly understanding your organisation, sector and priorities — through a Training Needs Assessment, stakeholder workshops or desktop research — before any solution is proposed.

Solution Design

Drawing on our catalogue of more than 20 quality development programmes, we co-design a bespoke solution precisely calibrated to your context, goals and budget.

Expert Delivery

Our trainers and consultants are subject matter experts with proven track records. Delivery standards are continuously monitored to ensure consistently high quality throughout every engagement.

Impact & Aftercare

We measure outcomes against agreed benchmarks and provide aftercare support to embed lasting institutional change — because transformation is a journey, not a single event.

2026 Programmes Calendar

Building Capacity
Across the Continent

All programmes available as open-enrolment or tailor-made in-house engagements. Course materials pre-loaded on tablets provided to each participant. All fees payable in USD. Locations arranged per client request.

2026 Download 2026 Brochure →

Economics & Finance

10 Programmes — 2026

EFI 1001Budgeting, Financial Planning & Risk ManagementYear Round

EFI 1002Undertaking Cost Benefit Analysis26 Jan–2 Feb · 27 Apr–1 May · 24–28 Aug

EFI 1003Due Diligence in Mergers & Acquisitions9–13 Feb · 8–12 Jun · 7–11 Sep

EFI 1004Financial Planning & Cashflow ManagementOn Request

EFI 1005Value for Money Auditing in ProjectsOn Request

EFI 1006Finance & Accounting for Non-Finance ManagersOn Request

EFI 1007International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)On Request

EFI 1008Advanced Debt Management and Credit RecoveryOn Request

EFI 1009Microfinance Strategy and Operational EfficienciesOn Request

EFI 1010Lending Methodologies & Product DevelopmentOn Request

Investment Promotion

5 Programmes — 2026

INV 1001Investment Targeting — Tools and ApproachesYear Round

INV 1002New Age Investment Promotion and Facilitation26 Jan–2 Feb · 27 Apr–1 May · 24–28 Aug

INV 1003Defining Investment Aftercare Strategy9–13 Feb · 8–12 Jun · 7–11 Sep

INV 1004Linking Investment Strategy to National PrioritiesOn Request

INV 1005Developing IPA Strategy and PolicyOn Request

Human Resources

7 Programmes — 2026

HRM 1001Integrity & Effective Communication at the WorkplaceYear Round

HRM 1002Building Effective Teams26 Jan–2 Feb · 27 Apr–1 May · 24–28 Aug

HRM 1003Developing Effective HR Training Strategies9–13 Feb · 8–12 Jun · 7–11 Sep

HRM 1004Using AI in Employee Selection and DevelopmentOn Request

HRM 1005Role of ICT in Redefining HR SystemsOn Request

HRM 1006Knowledge ManagementOn Request

HRM 1007Cost-Effective HR Development & Continuous LearningOn Request

Education & Entrepreneurship

4 Programmes — 2026

EDU 1001Artificial Intelligence & Educational ResearchYear Round

EDU 1002Entrepreneurship in Education26 Jan–2 Feb · 27 Apr–1 May · 24–28 Aug

EDU 1003ICT and STEM in Education9–13 Feb · 8–12 Jun · 7–11 Sep

EDU 1004Designing & Implementing National Youth Employability, Entrepreneurship & Skills Programmes2–20 Mar · 22 Jun–3 Jul · 5–16 Oct

Health Management

6 Programmes — 2026

HMN 1001Managing HIV in the WorkplaceYear Round

HMN 1002Managing Donor-Funded Projects in Health26 Jan–2 Feb · 27 Apr–1 May · 24–28 Aug

HMN 1003Hospital Management & Administration9–13 Feb · 8–12 Jun · 7–11 Sep

HMN 1004Finance and Accounting for Donor-Funded ProjectsOn Request

HMN 1005Occupational Health and Work Safety ManagementOn Request

HMN 1006Senior Management Development ProgrammeOn Request

Disaster Management & Emergency Preparedness

5 Programmes — 2026

DMP 1001Crisis Management & PlanningYear Round

DMP 1002Disaster Preparedness & Forecasting26 Jan–2 Feb · 27 Apr–1 May · 24–28 Aug

DMP 1003Disaster Cycle & Communication9–13 Feb · 8–12 Jun · 7–11 Sep

DMP 1004Risks, Management & LeadershipOn Request

DMP 1005Integrated Emergency ManagementOn Request

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Africa VenuesEswatini · South Africa · Ghana · Rwanda · Uganda

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International VenuesDubai · Abu Dhabi · Qatar · Malaysia · Turkey · Asia/Pacific · Europe

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Digital DeliveryAll materials pre-loaded on tablets provided to participants. Fees payable in USD.

Leadership Credentials

A Track Record
That Speaks

Mr. Zizwe Paul Vilane, ACFID's Managing Director, brings a distinguished personal track record from his work with leading development organisations across Africa. This expertise and depth of relationships are what he brings directly to every ACFID client engagement.

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Mr. Zizwe Paul Vilane has demonstrated professionalism and consistently delivered on his commitments in a satisfactory manner. His expertise in private sector matters is complemented by an exceptional understanding of local industry dynamics.

Nessie Golakai-Gould UNDP Deputy Resident Representative United Nations Development Programme — November 2025

Leadership

Guided by
Experience

ACFID is led by professionals with careers spanning investment promotion agencies, economic development programmes and private sector institutions across Africa, Europe and the Middle East. This depth of experience ensures every ACFID engagement is globally informed and locally grounded.

Our Managing Director, Mr. Zizwe Paul Vilane, brings over 20 years of personal professional experience in economic development, investment policy and institutional reform. In his personal capacity, prior to founding ACFID, Mr. Vilane worked with leading multilateral and bilateral organisations including the UNDP, EU, SADC, COMESA, various African governments and the UK Government — expertise and relationships he channels directly into ACFID's work.

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Zizwe Paul Vilane

Managing Director & Founder

Senior Economic Development Expert with over 20 years of personal experience designing investment, trade and institutional systems across Eswatini and the Southern African region. Previously served as Director of Foreign Direct Investment and Director of Research & Policy Analysis at the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA). In his personal capacity, Mr. Vilane was contracted by the UNDP as Private Sector Engagement Specialist for the Eswatini Youth Empowerment Programme, developed the national MSME Policy, and is currently finalising the Citizens Economic Empowerment Regulations.

MSc — Economic Development & Investment Promotion, Napier University BCom Marketing — University of Eswatini UNDP Endorsed

Your Partner In
Human Development
& Strategy

Built on African
Intelligence