The World Federation of Neurology: Educational Experiences in Africa

Background The World Federation of Neurology (WFN) promotes neurology and brain health worldwide through a broad range of educational initiatives designed to strengthen neurological care, training, and professional development. Africa faces a particularly high burden of neurological disease while simultaneously experiencing major shortages in neurological workforce capacity and educational infrastructure. Objective This review examines the educational activities of the WFN in Africa, focusing on individual training initiatives, global educational programmes, and advocacy and leadership development. Discussion WFN educational activities include individual fellowships, department visits, congress bursaries, grants, structured Training Centres, virtual educational programmes, continuing medical education initiatives, and leadership training. Since 2013, WFN Training Centres established in Rabat, Cairo, Dakar, and Cape Town have provided structured neurology training and subspecialty fellowships for African neurologists. Additional initiatives include Educational Days, the Digital Neurology Update platform, collaboration with international organisations, and the joint American Academy of Neurology–WFN Global Advocacy and Leadership Program (GALP). Despite these achievements, educational expansion remains constrained by limited financial resources, workforce shortages, language diversity, and persistent concerns regarding brain drain. Conclusions WFN educational programmes have become an important mechanism for strengthening neurology education and professional development across Africa. Continued international collaboration, expansion of regional training capacity, sustainable financing, and broader accreditation structures will be essential to further support neurological workforce development and improve access to neurological care across the continent.