The African Institute for Development and Economic Planning (IDEP) has announced that it trained 5,000 individuals across 34 courses in 2024, exceeding its initial target of 3,000 participants.
IDEP’s Director, Ms. Karima Soltane, disclosed this in a statement published on the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) website. IDEP serves as the training arm of the ECA, focusing on capacity-building for African nations.
Soltane attributed the milestone to IDEP’s commitment to addressing the evolving development needs of African countries. She explained that the institute’s training programmes are designed in line with the expressed needs and development priorities of African member states.
“Our expanded course offerings now cater to both public and private sector stakeholders, covering critical areas such as digital transformation, trade negotiations, and economic policy implementation,” she said.
In collaboration with the African Peer Review Mechanism Continental Secretariat (APRM), IDEP also launched a workshop to validate its signature training programme on the Fundamentals of Development Planning. The initiative aims to equip mid-career and senior officials with the skills needed to tackle emerging development challenges in Africa.
Looking ahead, Soltane revealed IDEP’s plans to introduce the ECA School of Thought and Practice, a platform for countries to share experiences on policy successes and challenges. Additionally, the African Development Impact Forum will provide a venue for member states to translate strategies into impactful results.
Founded in 1963, IDEP continues to play a crucial role in enhancing the technical capacities of African nations, ensuring they are well-equipped to tackle socio-economic development challenges.
