DOI: 10.1192/bja.2026.10239 ISSN: 2056-4678

Medical education in Africa: reflection on postgraduate psychiatric training and systemic reform

Carla Kotzé

SUMMARY

Despite growing recognition of the importance of mental health, postgraduate psychiatric training in Africa faces significant challenges. This brief article considers the current state of psychiatric education, its key obstacles and potential solutions to these challenges. There is a need to balance international standards with local contexts to address the tension between global psychiatric norms and Africa’s unique healthcare landscape. Ultimately, enhancing postgraduate psychiatric training is essential for cultivating competent specialists capable of addressing Africa’s mental health needs.