We are delighted to inform you that the African School on Decentralisation (ASD) is returning and is accepting applications for the 2025 event. Taking place in Cape Town from 12 to 25 October 2025, the theme of this year’s event is: Decentralisation and Finances.

Information webinar

Candidates interested in applying to the ASD 2025 are encouraged to attend an information webinar on 20 May 2025 at 3.00pm SAST. During the webinar, ASD 2025 will be introduced, and questions may be asked to enable candidates to submit the best application possible.

Click here to sign up for the webinar.

The Deadline for applications is 31 May, 2025

The programme

The two-week programme examines the concepts and practice of decentralisation in African countries from comparative and interdisciplinary perspectives. This year's theme focuses on how decentralisation governance in Africa is financed and on the systems and rules of the prudent use of public finance is at decentralised level.

This fully accredited postgraduate programme gives content to the African Union Charter on Decentralisation and gives participants entry into a pan-African network on decentralisation. The ASD includes lectures, interactive discussions, case studies, and study visits.

Who can apply?

The course is targeted at:

• state officials at national, state/provincial and local levels
• practitioners in multi-level governance
• members of local and international non-governmental organisations
• postgraduate students and
• researchers in law, public policy, governance, politics and related fields

Costs

Tuition fees for the course are waived. Participants will, however, be required to cover their travel cost to Cape Town and contribute ZAR18,000 for meals and accommodation

To apply

For more information and to apply, click here.

Application deadline: 31 May 2025