About the VCDA

What is VCDA? 
The African Development Bank’s Gateway to Digital Learning & Capacity Development

Our Vision 
To make VCDA the go-to platform for development learning in Africa—a space where governments, institutions, and changemakers build skills, co-create solutions, and drive inclusive, sustainable growth across the continent.

Why VCDA? 
The Virtual Capacity Development Academy (VCDA) is the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) premier digital platform for strengthening institutional and human capacity across its Regional Member Countries (RMCs).

Built for relevance, scale, and accessibility, VCDA delivers:

• High-quality, just-in-time learning
• Expert engagement and peer learning
• AI-enhanced, multilingual learning experiences

It supports the AfDB’s Ten-Year Strategy (2024–2033), aligns with the High 5 priorities, and contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Phase 1 – Available Now

What You Can Expect

• Self-paced eCourses in priority development themes
• Live webinars and blended learning programs
• Knowledge Map – Navigate resources by topic, sector, and region
• Ask the Expert – Get real-time guidance from AfDB and technical experts
• Bite-sized & Just-in-Time Learning – Short videos, podcasts, infographics
• Case studies, toolkits, policy briefs
• Multilingual interface (English and French)

What’s Coming Soon (Phase 2 – Next 18 Months)

• Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) via edX
• AI-powered learning paths and personalized dashboards
• Interactive simulations, scenario-based labs
• Peer-to-peer forums and expert discussion boards
• A growing multimedia library of videos, webinars, and podcasts
• Knowledge Schools – Climate, Policy Design, G-COPs
• Advanced Ask the Expert with AI integration
• Skills tracking, recognition, and digital certification
• Tools for regional knowledge exchange and learning partnerships

How VCDA Helps You Succeed

• Actionable Learning – Linked directly to policy and operations
• Expert Access – Tap into leading development minds
• Peer Exchange – Learn with and from colleagues across Africa
• Localized Content – Tailored to regional realities
• Tech-Enhanced Experience – AI, mobile optimization, and analytics

Who is VCDA for?

• Government officials & policy makers
• Project managers & development practitioners
• Trainers, researchers, and institutional partners, students
• Experts and changemakers across Africa and beyond
• Private sector and civil society organisations

What Makes VCDA Different

• Fully aligned with the Bank’s strategic objectives
• Multilingual, inclusive, and mobile-accessible
• Built with African context and innovation in mind
• Backed by global partners