The Foundation for Professional Development (FPD) is a South African institution dedicated to improving lives through education, research, and health systems strengthening. Established in 1997 by the South African Medical Association, FPD is a registered Private Institution of Higher Education, committed to advancing professional development and catalysing social change across Africa and beyond.
For nearly three decades, FPD has played a leading role in building human capital and strengthening systems by equipping professionals with the knowledge, skills, and leadership capabilities needed to respond to complex development challenges. With a strong footprint across the continent and globally, FPD has trained more than six hundred thousand (600+) healthcare workers, managers, educators, and professionals from over 110 countries, making it one of the largest health-sector education providers in Africa.
At the heart of FPD’s work is the belief that sustainable development depends on capable people and resilient systems. The organisation delivers a comprehensive portfolio of accredited higher education programmes, short courses, and customised training solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of governments, donors, and industry. Its flexible delivery models—including blended, in-person and online learning—ensure access to high-quality education regardless of geography, cost, or work constraints.
FPD’s impact extends beyond education into research and implementation. The organisation has a strong research focus on priority public health areas such as HIV, tuberculosis, sexually transmitted infections, mental health and climate change and health, and has published extensively in these fields. Through partnerships with governments and international agencies, FPD has implemented large-scale programmes that strengthen health systems, expand access to care, and improve service delivery outcomes.
A defining feature of FPD is its ability to respond rapidly and innovatively to emerging challenges. The organisation has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to pivot to online learning at scale, rapidly developing new programmes and reaching tens of thousands of healthcare professionals across multiple countries. This responsiveness reflects FPD’s strong academic, operational, and project management capabilities, underpinned by robust governance, financial discipline, and a consistent record of clean audits.
FPD is also at the forefront of addressing critical systemic challenges in Africa’s health sector. Its strategic focus includes the professionalisation of health management, strengthening the health workforce, advancing mental health access and climate resilient health systems, and developing innovative models for public-private collaboration in healthcare delivery. Through these efforts, FPD contributes to building more equitable, effective, and sustainable health systems across the continent.
Guided by a commitment to excellence, integrity, and transformation, FPD works collaboratively with governments, donors, academic institutions, private sector organisations and communities to deliver measurable impact. Its mission—to develop people, strengthen systems, and provide innovative solutions—continues to drive its role as a trusted partner in advancing health and development outcomes in Africa and globally.
