Capacity development (CD) initiatives in Africa face various challenges, demanding a shift from a one-size-fits-all approach to context-specific, long-term engagements. To be effective, CD programs must build upon existing strengths, align with national development strategies, and diversify learning methodologies. Furthermore, a multi-level approach is crucial, addressing individual, organizational, and systemic capacities. To foster sustainable change, enabling conditions must be established through investing in capacity builders, cultivating leadership and ownership, strengthening collaboration, and emphasizing impact and adaptability.