MASTER OF COMMERCE IN DEVELOPMENT FINANCE
BUILDING CAPACITY TO MOBILIZE & ALIGN FINANCE FOR DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
Learn the processes and strategies for mobilising and aligning finance for development (F4D)
Mobilising (sourcing) & aligning (re-structuring) financial resources for sustainability
In response to the challenge of coordinating the roles of multiple stakeholders to bridge the financing gap for sustainable development in emerging economies, the Master of Commerce Degree in Development Finance (MDevFin) programme offered by the Development Finance Centre (DEFIC) is designed to build capacity on how to design innovative financial instruments and the approaches to incorporating responsible investment strategies in the allocation of funds for impact and sustainability. This is achieved through a blend of traditional lecture sessions with case studies and interaction with professional experts from development finance institutions, public and private sector actors throughout Africa.
The programme provides institutional learning outcomes which will ensure that funds channelled through development projects can provide optimal and sustainable outcomes that can enhance the development of emerging economies. The programme covers 10 courses and 60-credit minor dissertation dedicated to uncovering insights on the ecosystem of development finance covering the role, mechanisms/instruments and impact of various stakeholders involved in mobilisation and aligning of finance for sustainability.
* Application & Course fees are provisional for 2025, and are subject to annual UCT council approval. If you would like more information on fees for this programme, click here.
uct gsb MCOM in Development Finance Overview
Learn more about the annual term dates for the UCT GSB MCom in Development Finance programme. The MCom in Development Finance at the UCT GSB is delivered over a two year period. Explore the programme format and delivery. Learn more about which attributes and qualifications are required for the UCT GSB MCom in Development Finance. A step-by-step guide on how to apply for the UCT GSB MCom in Development Finance programme. The MCom in Development Finance is broken down into four main blocks spreading over a two year cycle comprising nine courses, an elective and a research report. The UCT GSB is committed to broadening access to postgraduate education through funding and scholarship opportunities. Explore funding options available to MBA candidates.
WHAT OUR ALUMNI SAY
INFLUENCE DEVELOPMENT TRENDS IN EMERGING MARKETS
The UCT GSB MCom in Development Finance is the first to reflect development finance activities in the continent
Our MCom in Development Finance will give you the ability to conduct high-level research and engage in the policy decision-making process in development finance institutions, government, NGOs and the private sector.
As your financial skills grow, you will gain a solid understanding of application in the international development context and gain the expertise to start initial investments that can thrive in economically challenging markets and provide sustainable outcomes.
About UCT GSB MCOM in Development Finance
390+
MCOM graduates since 2013180+
Female graduates55%
Females student population10+
Peer-reviewed publications fromstudent dissertations
15+
Representation from 15+ Africa countries outside South Africa.FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
As a professional discipline, Development Finance is widely practised today across a broad range of organisations and contexts. However, there is a shortage of development finance experts in Africa, where this kind of knowledge is needed most.
Development finance skills can be useful in providing optimum financial outcomes that enhance the design and implementation of reforms and capacity-building programmes adopted by development finance institutions, governments, the private sector and NGOs.
You don’t need to be working in a development finance institution to benefit from this degree. These skills are also widely used by people in other contexts, including banking and financial services.
Applicants to this programme are typically:
- development finance practitioners
- civil servants
- staff of development finance institutions
- staff of other financial institutions
- entrepreneurs
- staff of NGOs
- employed in the private sector
Yes! Our MCom in Development Finance, presented through DEFIC, is a partnership programme between the GSB and the Africagrowth Institute (AGI), an independent organisation providing research and consulting on growth opportunities in Africa.
The GSB is one of a small number of universities world-wide 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 members from major institutions including the African Development Bank, Development Bank of South Africa, Afreximbank, AERC, Industrial Development Corporation, SADC-DFRC, KPMG and the South African National Treasury, to name just a few.
Click here for more information on DEFIC.
Yes! The MCom in Development Finance intake often includes up to 60% international students. This provides graduates with a professional network of practitioners in Africa and beyond.
Upon completion of the degree you will become a member of the Chartered Institute of Development Finance.
In addition, you when you graduate you will join the wider GSB alumni network – a dynamic forum that comprises more than 23 000 past GSB students in 68 countries worldwide. Many of the GSB’s alumni hold key positions in top companies or have started their own successful businesses. Alumni play a vital role in supporting and encouraging more recent graduates to follow in their footsteps and GSB students who find employment after graduation – particularly internationally – frequently do so through alumni contacts.
MEET THE PROGRAMME DIRECTOR
PROFESSOR LATIF ALHASSAN
Abdul Latif Alhassan (PhD) is a Professor in Development and Insurance Finance at the Development Finance Centre (DEFIC), UCT GSB. He teaches research methodology and banking and finance in emerging markets courses on the Master of Commerce and Postgraduate Diploma in Development Finance programmes respectively. He is the Head of Minor Dissertation for students during the research year of the programme. Within the UCT GSB, he chairs the Postgraduate Committee (PGC) and is a member of the University Panel on Responsible Investments (UPRI) and the Board for Graduate Studies (BfGS).
UPCOMING EVENTS
Master of Commerce Degree in Development Finance (MDevFin) Info Session
Join us for a hybrid (in person & virtual) information session about the Master of Commerce degree in Development Finance (MDevFin) at the UCT Graduate School of Business.
Learn more RSVPIDEAS EXCHANGE
News and thought leadership from Africa’s top business school
How the rules that govern our economies can change
Impact investing offers a promising solution to address the world’s social, environmental, and economic challenges. By merging financial returns with measurable positive impacts, it’s reshaping how we think about investment. However, achieving the balance between profitability and true societal impact isn't always easy. This article delves into the complexities of impact investing and how we can rethink the rules to build more sustainable economies.
Read Article
Breaking Barriers to Sustainable Finance
From navigating infrastructure challenges to meaningful finance, Bruce Jelley shares his experiences and insights about the MCom in Development Finance at the UCT Graduate School of Business, and how it is reshaping the way South African developers approach sustainability.
Read Article
The Development Activist
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.
Read Article
Professor Nicholas Biekpe inducted into prestigious UCT College of Fellows
Induction into the UCT College of Fellows is one of the highest accolades an academic staff member can receive. The fellowship is a reward to academic staff members for their years of commitment and dedication to their work.
Read Article
UCT team wins Oxford Map the System competition
Following their win at the regional final hosted by the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business (UCT GSB), Finclusive was awarded first place for their project at the University of Oxford’s (UO) Map the System (MTS) competition, which took place from 17 to 20 June.
Read Article
All eyes on DFIs as Africa looks to economic recovery
DFIs can be the catalysts for a stronger and more inclusive continent, but they need to expand their remit to include a focus on SMEs as a key priority.
Read Article
UCT GSB graduate is banking on his country’s future
MCom alumnus, Mutemwa Ushewokunze, has returned to Zimbabwe after 20 years abroad, to help take the country’s banking sector to the next tech level.
Read Article
The role of development finance in rebuilding South Africa’s economy post-COVID-19
The global COVID-19 pandemic has set back developing countries especially, but it also offers an opportunity to rethink their development path.
Read Article
Coronavirus - an excuse to downgrade African countries deep into junk
A number of rating agencies have downgraded emerging market economies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their actions have raised the question: why do so during a crisis?
Read Article
Three winning ways to tackle youth unemployment through development finance
Development finance is an underutilised tool that can be directed towards tackling South Africa’s unacceptably high youth unemployment beyond the remit of mainstream finance.
Read Article
Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) can lead SA’s economic recovery
While government has identified DFIs as a key partner in delivering an economic turnaround — these institutions lack capacity and resources to do their jobs effectively. Fixing this will be a necessity.
Read Article