Since 1978
Pan African Institute for Development
An international network of development institutes across Africa, providing action research, training, and consultancy since 1978.
Our Journey
Six Decades of Excellence
From our founding in 1978 to today, PAID-ESA has been at the forefront of African development education and research.
International Foundation
1964
PAID was created as an international association governed by Swiss law, establishing the foundation for pan-African development education.
Regional Network Expansion
1970s
Established regional institutes across Africa: Central Africa (Douala), West Africa (Buea), and East & Southern Africa (Kabwe).
Action Research Focus
1980s
Developed action research methodologies to constructively change living conditions through participatory approaches.
Transfer Research Excellence
1990s
Promoted successful initiatives in water management for arid regions and expanded consultancy services.
Training Diversification
2000s
Expanded training offerings to include long-term academic programs, short courses, and executive training.
Digital Innovation
2010s
Introduced e-learning and distance education platforms, plus tailor-made and customized training programs.
Network Strengthening
2020s
Enhanced coordination through General Secretariat offices in Yaoundé and Algiers, maintaining diplomatic status across regions.
Be Part of Our Future
Join the next generation of African development leaders and contribute to our continued legacy of excellence.
Our Mission
What We Do
Foster the economic, social, and cultural development of African countries through training, research-publication, support to rural populations, consultancy, and development projects.
Our Vision
Where We're Going
To be the preferred center for concerted, decent and sustainable development of the African continent bringing together all persons without distinction.
Our Foundation
Core Values
The principles that guide everything we do and shape our community.
Neutrality
A fundamental principle that guides our institution's mission and values.
Integrity
Maintaining the highest ethical standards in all our academic and professional endeavors.
Participation
A fundamental principle that guides our institution's mission and values.
Sustainability
A fundamental principle that guides our institution's mission and values.
Excellence
A fundamental principle that guides our institution's mission and values.
Our Purpose
To support the economic, social and cultural development of African countries through action-research, support-consultancy, and the training of African Staff to enable them to assume responsibilities at various levels with the participation of the population, in order to achieve self-development and improve their living conditions.
Our Expertise
PAID Field of Activities
Six core areas of expertise driving development impact across Africa through research, support-consultancy, and capacity building.
Fundamental Research
Traditional academic research aligned with university standards, contributing to theoretical advancement.
Action-Oriented Research
Participatory research conducted in collaboration with communities to address specific local challenges. This model promotes co-creation and contextual relevance.
Transferred Research
Innovative practices or experiments developed in one context and adapted for replication in another. This approach facilitates scalable solutions across regions.
Support Consultancy
Reinforcing capacities of leaders and managers in public, private institutions, and civil society.
Project Management
Designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating technical cooperation projects in a participatory manner.
Validation by Acquired Experience (VAE)
Recognizing knowledge, skills, and attitude gained through practice to access appropriate training levels.
Program Tracks
Three complementary pathways designed to build capacity and expertise through academic, professional, and capacity building tracks.
Academic Track (B-M-D)
- Bachelor
- Master
- Doctorate
Professional / Technical Track
- Diploma in Technology
- Diploma in Development Engineering
- Diploma in Development Expertise
Capacity Building and Continuing Education Track
- Validation by Acquired Experience (VAE)
- Professional Diplomas
- Executive/Advanced Training
- Seminars & Workshops
Delivery Modalities
Five flexible approaches to meet diverse learning needs and contexts through on-campus, off-campus, e-learning, tailor-made training, and VAE.
On-Campus (In-situ)
Regular on-site teaching and campus-based learning.
Off-Campus / Outreach
Cohorts delivered in partner institutions and field locations.
E-Learning / Virtual
Online synchronous/asynchronous learning and distance education.
Tailor-Made / Custom
Organization-specific programs designed to meet precise capacity needs.
Validation by Acquired Experience (VAE)
Access to appropriate training levels based on validated prior learning (knowledge, skills, attitudes).
PAID International Network
An international association governed by Swiss law since 1978, with regional institutes across Africa enjoying diplomatic status through headquarters agreements with host countries.
Headquarters & Secretariat
Headquarters: Dakhla, Morocco
General Secretariat: Yaoundé, Cameroon & Dakhla, Morocco
Leadership Team
Meet Our Leaders
Experienced professionals and academics dedicated to advancing African development through education and research.
Madam FATUMATA DJAU Baldé
President of the Governing Council (PAID)
Rev. Dr. Nevers Sekwila Mumba
Vice President of the Governing Council (PAID)
Professor Emmanuel KAMDEM
Secretary General (PAID)
Dr. Franklin BABILA DOH
Regional Director
Our Impact
Numbers That Matter
Six decades of measurable impact in education, research, and community development across Africa.
Years of Excellence
Six decades of development impact across Africa since 1978
Regional Institutes
Central, West, East & Southern, West Africa & Sahel, North Africa & Lusophone Africa
Graduates & Trainees
Long-term and short-term training programs across all regions
Training Delivery Methods
In‑situ, off‑campus, e‑learning, tailor‑made training and VAE
Core Activities
Research, Support-Consultancy and Capability Building
Diplomatic Status
Headquarters agreements with host countries across Africa