Cost-Benefit Analysis and Value for Money Training 2026

Course Overview

Public institutions, NGOs, and development partners face growing pressure to show that their spending delivers real results. Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) and Value for Money (VfM) assessments are the tools that make that case. This course gives you the skills to use them well.

You will learn how to identify, measure, and compare the costs and benefits of projects and programs across sectors. The course covers economic evaluation methods, financial analysis tools, and VfM frameworks built around economy, efficiency, effectiveness, and equity. You will practice conducting CBAs using Net Present Value (NPV), Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR), and Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and learn how to apply VfM analysis within project cycles, budgeting processes, and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) systems.

Sessions are grounded in real-world scenarios. You will work through sector-specific case examples and use spreadsheets and analytical tools to produce results you can present with confidence to stakeholders and funders.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Explain the concepts and principles of Cost-Benefit Analysis and Value for Money assessment
• Identify, value, and compare project costs and benefits using structured methods
• Conduct simple and discounted CBAs using NPV, BCR, and IRR
• Integrate VfM principles into project design, budgeting, and procurement decisions
• Present CBA and VfM findings clearly to support accountability and resource mobilization

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for professionals involved in project appraisal, investment planning, evaluation, or public expenditure decision-making.

• Economists, Financial Analysts, and Project Planners
• Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officers and Performance Auditors
• Public Sector and NGO Program Managers
• Procurement and Budget Officers
• Development Partners and Donor Agency Staff
• Anyone involved in project appraisal, evaluation, or impact analysis

How the Training Works

This course combines clear instruction with hands-on practice. You will work through CBA and VfM exercises using real data, practical tools, and sector-relevant examples.

• Facilitator-led sessions using real CBA and VfM case examples
• Step-by-step exercises using spreadsheets and analytical tools
• Group work evaluating sample projects and investment options
• Practical sessions in economic modeling and financial projections
• Ready-to-use templates and tools for VfM reporting and decision support

What You Will Walk Away With

You will leave this course with hands-on CBA and VfM skills that strengthen how your organization plans, justifies, and reports on its investments.

• The ability to conduct CBAs that support sound project decision-making
• Stronger institutional capacity to assess and justify spending decisions
• Tools to promote transparency and accountability through VfM assessments
• Better use of data and evidence for strategic resource allocation
• Practical skills to improve budgeting, procurement, and project design