BUILDING CAPACITY IN EMERGING MARKETS
Specialised training for development finance professionals in Africa
DEVELOPMENT FINANCE CENTRE
Gain expertise and share ideas on development priorities in emerging markets.
The Development Finance Centre (DEFIC) at the UCT Graduate School of Business is dedicated to building capacity in emerging markets. We are a training and research platform – an intellectual hub – connecting universities, development finance institutions and professionals.
The Centre facilitates the growth of local and international development finance expertise and supports the creation of innovative financial models for sustainable development solutions in Africa and other emerging markets. Our robust academic programmes, short professional courses, acclaimed faculty, and culturally diverse student body make DEFIC an inspiring place to learn, share ideas and gain new perspectives on emerging development needs.?
CIDEF ACCREDITATION
Promoting development finance capacity in research, training and relevant professional capacity building.
The Master of Commerce (MCom) in Development Finance, presented through DEFIC, is a partnership programme between the UCT GSB and the Africagrowth Institute (AGI), an independent organisation providing research and consulting on growth opportunities in Africa.
The UCT GSB is one of a small number of universities globally, offering this degree accredited by the Chartered Institute of Development Finance (CIDEF). CIDEF is a global professional membership and certification body for development finance specialists.
DEFIC is an active member of the CIDEF global development finance network with institutional members from major development finance institutions including the African Development Bank, Development Bank of South Africa, Afreximbank, AERC, Industrial Development Corporation, SADC-DFRC, KPMG, South African National Treasury, to name just a few.
STRENGTH IN PARTNERSHIP
Local and global academic partnerships add a dimension to the depth of debate and the impact of our work.
Our partners include:
- University of Cape Town, South Africa
- University of Stellenbosch, South Africa
- University of Ghana, Ghana
- Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa
- KCA University, Kenya
- University of Manchester, United Kingdom
- University of Reading, United Kingdom
- The School of Oriental and African Studies, United Kingdom
In addition, DEFIC is an active member of the Chartered Institute of Development Finance (CIDEF), a global professional membership and certification body for development finance specialists with institutional members including major development finance institutions including the African Development Bank, Development Bank of South Africa, Afreximbank, AERC, Industrial Development Corporation, SADC-DFRC, KPMG, South African National Treasury.
RESEARCH & TEACHING
Providing new perspectives on emerging development needs
Meet the Director
Director: Development Finance Centre
Thanti is a research lead and lecturer of development finance at UCT's Graduate School of Business, with a focus on the finance, entrepreneurship, and growth nexus. His research is well-regarded in top international journals, earning him accolades. He actively engages in public debates on finance and development in local and international media and has consulted for governments, and private sector companies on development and financial matters.Courses
The Master of Commerce in Development Finance
Turn your ideas into long-term development solutions that improve lives, uplift communities and place Africa on the global stage. This specialised degree is offered in a modular format over two years.
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Postgraduate Diploma in Development Finance
Gain a solid foundation in Development Finance and the skills needed to lead in this fast-growing sector. This is a one-year modular programme.
Learn MoreIdeas Exchange
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From humble beginnings to pioneering public leadership – Pati Kgomo's journey in development finance started with various positions in local government, progressed to position with the Development Bank of Southern Africa, and was honed by a Master’s in Commerce specialising in Development Finance at the UCT Graduate School of Business. Her remarkable achievements are a testament to the power of altruism, education, and a passion for sustainable development.
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UCT GSB grows Impact Investing education in Africa
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UCT team wins Oxford Map the System competition
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