The Origins of the Pan-African CBT Movement

At the first WCCBT–WHO–Africa Development Roundtable, Dr. Helen MacDonald, co-chair of the Pan-African Special Interest Group of the EABCT, traced the history that ultimately led to today’s historic collaboration between the World Confederation of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies (WCCBT), the World Health Organization (WHO), and emerging African CBT leaders.

In 2013, the European Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT) held its annual congress in Marrakesh, Morocco—the first time the meeting took place on African soil. Under the theme “CBT and Culture,” and organized in partnership with the Moroccan CBT Association chaired by Dr. Jamal Chiboub and Dr. Nadia Kadri, the congress gathered more than 1,300 participants from 60 nations. For many, this was a turning point: an opportunity to connect, learn, and envision a unified CBT community across the continent.

Following the congress, Dr. MacDonald, Dr. Pierre Philippot (EABCT President 2011–2014), and Dr. Rod Holland established the Pan-African CBT Network. The group’s goals were simple yet ambitious:
1. To identify and link professionals interested in CBT across African countries.
2. To convene an inaugural Pan-African CBT meeting at the 2014 EABCT Congress in The Hague.

To sustain momentum, they created a LinkedIn group that attracted 72 members—an early, grassroots community exchanging training opportunities and research ideas. The EABCT “Mobile Academy” soon followed, offering low- or no-cost CBT training in countries with limited access.

While activity later slowed, informal collaborations continued. In 2021, the newly formed South African Association for CBT (CBTASA) sought affiliation with EABCT, reigniting efforts to strengthen African representation. Dr. MacDonald and Dr. Philippot connected with Dr. Peter Phiri from Zimbabwe, who brought renewed energy to resume activities and connect with colleagues and organizations across the region.

A collaboration between the Pan-African Network and the World Confederation of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies (WCCBT) was then initiated, aligning with the WCCBT’s new strategic priority to support the dissemination of evidence-based mental health care in Africa. Announced in July 2023, this initiative aimed to expand access to evidence-based care, strengthen workforce capacity, and ensure the continent’s formal representation within the Confederation.

Beginning in September, discussions between the WCCBT, the Pan-African Special Interest Group, and CBT leaders across Africa led to a coordinated plan to assist professionals in developing national CBT organizations. These efforts culminated in the official transition of the Pan-African Committee into the WCCBT–CBT Organization of Africa Development Taskforce, with the WCCBT also sponsoring the KOLABO Project to assess the feasibility of a regional CBT association and guide the next phase of growth.

“Our early goal,” Dr. MacDonald reflected, “was simply to connect colleagues across borders and share good practice. Seeing this network evolve into a continent-wide initiative within WCCBT is incredibly rewarding.”

From Marrakesh to the present, that vision has grown into a collaborative movement—anchored in science, cultural sensitivity, and regional leadership—to expand evidence-based psychological care across Africa.