The Institute of Negotiators, Community and Social Development Experts (INCOS-DE) has held its Executive Training Programme in Abuja, bringing together development practitioners, policymakers, and industry experts to strengthen negotiation and community development capacities across Africa.
The one-day training, which took place on Friday, October 24, 2025, at Chelsea Hotel, Abuja, focused on Negotiation, Community/Social Development, and Grant Interventions, and was designed to certify participants as Executive Experts and Development Practitioners.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of INCOS-DE, Kunle Yusuff, MON, said the training was part of the institute’s ongoing efforts to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills required to drive sustainable development and attract international funding.
“Our goal is to empower participants to access global partnership funding networks and leverage support systems and donor agency databases for 2025 and beyond.”
“This certification will strengthen their ability to negotiate effectively, develop impactful community projects, and harness opportunities in grant interventions,” Yusuff explained.
He added that the programme offered several benefits, including professional certification, access to donor agency databases, enhanced negotiation and development skills, and opportunities for collaboration with development practitioners globally.
Yusuff emphasised that sustainable development required strong partnerships and innovative approaches.
“To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and address climate change, global networking and strategic collaboration are indispensable. Annual global investment needs are estimated at between $5 to $7 trillion, covering key areas such as education, health, clean energy, water, sanitation and hygiene,” he said.
He noted that climate financing alone would require about $15 trillion between 2025 and 2030, adding, “Given the financial constraints faced by many governments, strategic partnerships with donor agencies, development partners and private investors are crucial to sustaining progress. Effective negotiation is key to unlocking such partnerships,” Yusuff added.
According to him, the training provided participants with insights into global funding opportunities and the operational frameworks of major donor agencies, including the World Bank Group, African Development Bank (AfDB), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Green Climate Fund (GCF), USAID, FCDO, and several others.
He also highlighted the growing relevance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in development practice, listing key organisations funding AI-driven social impact projects such as Google.org, OpenAI’s People-First AI Fund, Microsoft AI for Earth, and IBM Watson AI XPRIZE.
“These institutions are not just providing grants; they are creating opportunities for innovation in agriculture, education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. By leveraging AI and technology, developing countries can accelerate progress toward achieving the SDGs,” Yusuff added.
He explained that INCOS-DE was building a knowledge platform that would connect Nigerian and African development experts to international funding agencies.
“We are helping our members identify potential partners, develop fundable project proposals, and negotiate effectively to secure grants,” he said.
Yusuff further mentioned that the training served as a networking platform, enabling professionals to share experiences and establish partnerships aimed at advancing the global development agenda.
“Our mission is to empower negotiators and development experts to lead transformative change. By strengthening their negotiation and project management skills, we are ensuring that Africa becomes an active participant in shaping global solutions.”
The Institute, however. reiterated its commitment to promoting sustainable development and supporting individuals and organisations working to deliver the objectives of the 2030 Global Agenda for Sustainable Development through negotiation, capacity building, and global collaboration.
