The Canadian Development Exchange Program

Canada is a country of leaders, innovators, and creators – known for embracing their role as citizens of the world. The Canadian Development Exchange (CADEX) program is one of Aga Khan Foundation Canada’s wide range of opportunities for people from Canada to exercise and express their global citizenship.

The CADEX program is open to individuals who are driven by the desire to learn about unfamiliar contexts, cultivate a global mindset, and make a meaningful change in the world.

The program connects Canadian professionals with various agencies across the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), sharing knowledge and strengthening capacities across Africa and Asia.

Since 1984, almost 400 professionals have elevated their careers through the CADEX program. In any sector that you work in, you can share your knowledge, skills, and expertise to support the development of strong and effective local institutions in Africa and Asia.

Zahra Jadavji, CADEX consultant leads a community workshop on sexual and reproductive health and rights in Uganda.
Zahra Jadavji, CADEX consultant leads a community workshop on sexual and reproductive health and rights in Uganda.
Muhammad at the Advancing Gender Equality through Civil Society Global Learning Event. Credit: BIGZ Image / AKF
Muhammad at the Advancing Gender Equality through Civil Society Global Learning Event. Credit: BIGZ Image / AKF

About the program

The CADEX program has two stream placements, which depend on the profile of the applicants:

  • Emerging professionals: 6 months to 1 year
  • Experienced professionals: 3 months to 1 year

Placements are determined in consultation with AKDN partner organizations to ensure that CADEX consultancies align with the needs of the organization.

Past placement geographies have included Afghanistan, Kenya, the Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Current opportunities

There are no available opportunities at this time.

Stories from the field

Dr. Moloo (third from the right), with the local leadership team at the Aga Khan Medical Centre Booni, in Pakistan.

Build on what is there: One doctor’s path to giving back

Dr. Zahir Moloo helped upgrade pathology labs at Aga Khan Medical Centres as part of AKFC’s Canadian Development Exchange (CADEX) program.

Muhammad partaking in a rural community discussion about gender equality in Luwero County, Uganda.

From the ground up: A Canadian’s perspective on the importance of grassroots work and gender equality

Building on his experience with community engagement, Muhammad Khan supported AKF’s work with civil society and gender equality in East Africa.