A New Way of Doing Training in Africa: Enhancing the impactful training model established by the UNOCT Programme Office for Counterterrorism and Training in Africa

Lead Entity/ies
United Nations Counter-Terrorism Office (UNOCT)
Collaborating Partners
Member states and Member States entities with relevant experience and expertise, and relevant academic institutions.
Duration
1 March 2025 -30 November 2026
Location
Selected countries in Africa: Western Africa, Sahel, Eastern Africa, and the Great Lakes.
Approved Budget
$ 1,005,800
Description/outline
The Foundational Module of the training model was delivered in May, and the Intermediate Module started in June. provided mentorship support and developed study materials, namely Investigative interviewing curricula and tailored training products. It secured the New England Commission of Higher Education accreditation for 2025/2026. A SWOT analysis of Kenya’s National Criminal Investigations Academy was developed in collaboration with the EU–UN Global Threats Facility to inform a National Action Plan on integrating STOCTI into national training. An eLearning course on Kidnap-for-Ransom and extortion is also under development for the Connect & Learn platform.
Status
In progress

Synopsis

Objectives

The project aims to enhance the counter-terrorism investigative capacity of African law enforcement agencies by providing accredited, human rights-compliant training and by fostering regional collaboration to ensure sustainable and effective responses to evolving threats.

Components

The project includes the conduct of research to assess Member States’ capacities and training needs, national-level consultations and the development of national action plans. It delivers foundational, intermediate, and advanced-level trainings on Specialist Counter-Terrorism Investigations (STOCTI) and conducts negotiations for the accreditation of all training programmes and materials.

Additionally, the project organizes workshops, delivers expert mentoring, facilitates the procurement, purchase, and installation of fully equipped soundproof interview rooms, and develops investigative interviewing curricula and tailored training products.

Main achievements

The Foundational Module for the training was delivered in May, with the Intermediate Module currently underway. The project introduced several enhancements, including expanded mentorship support and supplemental study materials such as Investigative interviewing curricula and tailored training products. It also secured continued academic accreditation for 2025/2026 from the New England Commission of Higher Education.

A SWOT analysis of Kenya’s National Criminal Investigations Academy, conducted in collaboration with the EU–UN Global Threats Facility, was completed to inform the development of a National Action Plan on integrating STOCTI into Kenya’s national law enforcement training framework.

In addition, the project is developing an eLearning course on Kidnap-for-Ransom and extortion, which will be made accessible to Member States and private sector stakeholders through the Connect & Learn platform.

Impact

This project recognizes the role of border communities in security efforts. By actively engaging them throughout its implementation, it harnesses local knowledge, strengthens community resilience, and establishes a collaborative front against potential threats in border areas.