Development. Organization. Communication.
German‑Beninese expert team – over 25 years’ experience in Africa
Africonsult supports international organizations, ministries, foundations, and companies in successfully implementing their projects in the fields of infrastructure, education, energy, and health in a sustainable way. We combine our high quality standards with local expertise to ensure your investments have the desired impact while maintaining full transparency and control at all times.
Many organizations have the financial resources and innovative ideas. Yet challenges arise during implementation: suitable points of contact are missing, cultural barriers complicate communication, and transparency is often lacking.
Funds are disbursed without anyone on the ground verifying that they are used effectively—timelines and budgets go off track. This is exactly where Africonsult comes in.
As a German–Beninese consulting team, we understand the needs of European clients and the realities of West African partners. We address your challenges with more than 25 years of experience, intercultural competence, and a clearly structured approach.
Our goal is to ensure that your projects in Africa succeed reliably and sustainably. To achieve this we offer the following services:
We accompany the construction of schools, hospitals and office buildings from the first concept to the official handover. This includes project preparation, development of cost and time plans, standardised tenders, contract management, ongoing budget control, site supervision and provisional and final acceptance. We coordinate all participants – architects, building firms, inspectors, municipal authorities and clients – and ensure that time and quality targets are met.
Africonsult develops curricula and organises state‑recognised training modules for craftsmen and specialists. In Togo and Benin, for example, we have set up training programmes for photovoltaic installers. We analyse training needs, draw up syllabuses, train instructors, ensure official recognition of qualifications and build networks between vocational centres and businesses. This creates sustainable structures that offer young people prospects and strengthen the local economy.
From feasibility studies through planning and installation to maintenance of photovoltaic systems: we support projects that aim for energy sovereignty and climate protection. This includes the supervision of large PV plants, training for installers, organising solar fairs and information and discussion events. Our focus is on practical solutions that convince local communities and international partners.
We take on the controlling of subsidies and the supervision of complex projects so that funds are used properly. Our services cover budget planning, cost and cash‑flow control, reporting, audit support and coordination of sub‑projects. This gives you transparency and allows you to detect risks early.
Many organisations reach structural limits when implementing their projects. As external consultants we analyse existing processes, expose weaknesses and accompany restructuring. Whether it is the reorientation of a ministry of education, the creation of a project management office or the development of a staffing concept – we bring a pragmatic outside view and support you right through to implementation.
Strengthening local structures is a basic prerequisite for sustainable development. We support state and civil actors in administrative reforms, promoting democratic processes and the practical implementation of decentralisation. In Benin, for example, we played a key role in ensuring that city councillors and mayors were elected directly for the first time. Our services include strengthening associations of cities and municipalities, communication work and supporting participatory processes.
Malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and other infectious diseases threaten millions. We develop target‑group‑oriented communication strategies to make life‑saving information campaigns effective. Through interactive radio programmes, live discussions, training sessions and community events we ensure that messages get through, are understood and acted upon.
Strengthening the role of women is a cross‑cutting theme of our work. We support projects that promote the economic and political participation of women and advance social development in African societies. These include programmes for female founders, mentoring initiatives and microfinance projects.
Before you invest, we examine the feasibility of your project. We conduct project studies, analyse regional needs (e.g. training requirements in crafts) and prepare independent evaluations of existing programmes. These analyses provide you with reliable decision‑making bases and recommendations for further work.
Before communicating, we clarify objectives and framework conditions. On this basis, we establish a clear direction that provides orientation and ensures a coherent overall picture. We streamline processes, align stakeholders, and ensure a transparent, comprehensible presentation both internally and externally. This creates clear, impactful messages and a reliable foundation for further steps in communication and marketing.
Intercultural competence – Our German‑Beninese team brings over 25 years of project experience in Africa and more than 15 years of expertise in vocational training. We speak your clients’ language and know the realities on the ground.
High reliability & local networks – We combine our high quality standards with a robust network of experts and local partners. This ensures professionalism and cultural fit.
Transparency & cost control – Our clients appreciate our reliability: promises are kept, no unexpected extra costs arise, and projects run within agreed schedules. Regular reports give you insight at any time.
Flexible expert team – Africonsult has no permanent staff but assembles a custom team of experienced professionals for each project. You pay only for the services you really need.
Long‑term perspective – We are interested in sustainable partnerships. Many of our projects run for several years; we only accept short‑term assignments if they fit our mission.
Josué Akonde – Founder & Managing Director
Josué Akonde has many years of experience in renewable energy, democracy promotion, and health projects. He has led numerous projects on behalf of national and international clients. His deep roots in the region, his political contacts, and his understanding of local dynamics make him an indispensable member of our team.
Our Mission
We believe in the power of partnership. Our goal is to design international projects in Africa so that they generate impact, strengthen local structures, and enable fair exchange between Europe and Africa. Transparency, reliability, and respect are the foundation of our work.
Klaus van Briel – Managing Director (2nd Executive)
Klaus van Briel is a German expert in development cooperation and has been living in West Africa for over 25 years. He has more than 15 years of experience in the fields of vocational training, infrastructure development, organizational consulting, and project management. As a political scientist specializing in international development policy, he has worked for various international organizations and established vocational training centers and educational programs in Benin. In addition to German, he speaks fluent French and English.
Our network
Africonsult works with a pool of specialized local and regional experts, including engineers, healthcare professionals, and social scientists. Depending on the project requirements, we assemble the right team and coordinate all stakeholders. This approach allows us to remain flexible and efficiently manage complex projects.
Via our form, by e‑mail or by phone you submit your project request. We get back to you within 48 hours.
In a non‑binding talk (by phone or video) we learn about your project, clarify questions and outline the framework. That way we recognise whether and how we can help you.
We analyse your documents, the project environment, check feasibility and develop a tailor‑made concept with timeline and budget. On this basis you receive a transparent project strategy.
The German Embassy in Benin commissioned the installation of a photovoltaic system. Africonsult supervised the companies involved on site, documented progress and ensured that time and quality requirements were met. The project was completed on schedule and shows how important neutral supervision is for international projects.
e study on more than 60 years of German technical cooperation in Benin’s agricultural sector was commissioned by GIZ Benin and published in 2023. It is presented in a formal, structured format and summarizes the content in a clear and comprehensible way.
On behalf of public bodies and international organisations Africonsult developed training programmes for craftsmen in the field of renewable energies. This included drawing up state‑recognised curricula, organising practical modules and building networks between training centres and industry.
Africonsult designed the first interactive radio programme on sexuality for national radio in Benin and accompanied campaigns on malaria and HIV prevention. Thanks to target‑group‑specific communication, high reach was achieved and awareness of health risks greatly increased.
Africonsult handles the conception and production of studies, presentations, and reports for clients in Benin. Our focus is on goal-oriented, clearly structured preparation—technically sound, carefully developed, and in a format that meets the specific requirements—so that content is easy to follow and communicated professionally.
We work to defined quality benchmarks. Clear contracts, well-specified tenders, ongoing budget control, regular reporting, and the combination of local expertise with experienced project management ensure that standards are maintained at every level.
Our focus is on West Africa – in particular Benin, Togo, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. We also support projects in other African countries. For feasibility studies or evaluations we are flexible.
We work with international organizations, NGOs, government institutions, and foundations. These include, among others, the German Embassy in Benin, GIZ Benin, SEQUA Bonn, and the Chambers of Crafts in Saarbrücken and Frankfurt.
After the enquiry we conduct an initial meeting, develop a concept together and then take over supervision and coordination until handover.
Many local providers lack the necessary structure or the trust of international clients. Africonsult combines high standards with strong local delivery capability. You get transparency, quality, and the secure framework international projects require.
With Africonsult you have an experienced partner at your side – locally networked, internationally reliable. Get in touch now and let us lead your idea to success together.
