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PAN AFRICAN INSTITUTE FOR DEVELOPMENT Regional Institute For West Africa
(PAID-WA)
PAID-WA Overview

Pan-African Institute for Development – West Africa (PAID-WA) — Overview

The Pan-African Institute for Development – West Africa (PAID-WA) is a model African development institute and non-governmental organization dedicated to training, research, consultancy, and capacity building to support sustainable development across West Africa and the African continent.

PAID-WA is part of the broader Pan African Institute for Development (PAID) network — an international association created in 1964 with a mandate to strengthen Africa’s economic, social, and cultural development through education, action-oriented research, and professional support services.

Mission & Purpose

PAID-WA’s core mission is to equip development practitioners, leaders, and institutions with the knowledge, practical skills, and innovative capacity needed to design, manage, and evaluate development projects and policies.

  • Foster action-oriented research and people-centered development solutions.
  • Build the capacity of individuals and institutions for improved performance.
  • Promote good governance, gender equity, and social justice.
  • Strengthen entrepreneurship, project management, and environmental sustainability.

Programs & Activities

PAID-WA offers a range of academic and professional programs, including:

  • Undergraduate degrees in business management, environment and agriculture, and social work.
  • Postgraduate diplomas and Master’s degrees in sustainable development, peace and conflict management, finance, innovation and entrepreneurship, and regional planning.
  • Certificates and short courses on technical competencies and professional skills.
  • Practical internships integrated into many programs to reinforce real-world experience.
Approach & Impact

PAID-WA emphasizes practical training and field-oriented research, drawing on experienced faculty and a network of external consultants. The institute supports governments, civil society, and private-sector actors in implementing effective development strategies.

Location & Reach

Main campus: Buea, South-West Region, Cameroon.

Regional influence: Primarily serves English-speaking West African countries and collaborates across the continent.

Core Values
  • ✔ Neutrality — Politically and religiously impartial.
  • ✔ Excellence — High academic and professional standards.
  • ✔ Professionalism — Ethical and competent training and consultancy.
  • ✔ Field orientation — Practical application of development theory.

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.

Health Care
PGD in Applied Development Sciences — Health Care

Develops managerial skills and competencies for public health systems leadership.

12 months (1 academic year)
Duration

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Peace & Development
Peace & Development — Environmental Peacebuilding

Intensive training on conflicts linked to pastoral mobility and climate change.

1 academic year (2 semesters)
Duration

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Humanitarian Logistics
MSc in Applied Development Sciences — Humanitarian Logistics

Prepares professionals to lead humanitarian operations with strong logistics skills.

18 months (incl. field internship)
Duration

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