About us

Since 1983, IMA International has provided training and consultancy to people and organisations who work in the international development sector, open scheduled training courses, tailored training, consultancy and coaching.

40 years of experience

Over 150 countries represented

35,000+ trained

We primarily work with government ministries, INGO’s, research institutes and UN agencies and the private sector to build capacity and make positive changes.

We believe in working with development practitioners everywhere to develop their potential to make a difference to the people they serve.

Our Values

We are a values-driven organisation; employees can find alignment between their personal values and the organisation’s values creating a unified and motivated workforce.

Our values are lived and shared with all of you – we want to be innovative, inclusive and inspire change – that’s what we are about and always have been. You can still be sure of participation being strong in all that we do going right back to the start of IMA’s journey. Whether it be online or face-to-face open courses, tailored programmes or consulting, we will keep you engaged and learning, encouraging you and all those around you to change behaviour for the better and make our purpose shine through, giving more positive energy and focus to all our work.

IMA Values, Innovative, Inclusive, Inspiring Change

IMA’s Values: We strive to be Innovative, Inclusive and Inspire Change

Our goal

Development practitioners and organisations around the world engage with IMA International as a partner to discover their capacity to bring about transformational change.

We offer the best training, facilitation and capacity development consultancy to government ministries, INGO’s, research institutes and UN agencies and the private sector to build capacity and make positive behaviour change.
Through our experience, we understand the challenges development organisations encounter. With the diverse mix of people across different sectors joining on our participatory training courses, you’ll find common experiences as well as new ideas to share and take back to your workplace.

Our experts are both trainers and consultants, using their considerable experience of real contexts and knowledge of the latest thinking on development topics and best practice, to apply principles and techniques into our training. From value of ideas creates innovation.

IMA International supports the Sustainable Development Goals

Our history

Ian MacDonald founded the company 'Ian MacDonald Associates' in 1983 which became IMA International in 1992.

The IMA in IMA International stands for Ian MacDonald Associates.

Ian stayed in touch with us through the years, often joining the groups on social events. He was delighted that his organisation grew into a leading training and consultancy provider in the development world. In September 2006, Ian passed away and many of our alumni sent their condolences to us and his family.

IMA International continues to promote the values that Ian strived for, of real participation and the creation of a warm social scene for all.

Find out more:

"Guilio Ghirardo from IMA International led an excellent two day workshop on the Theory of Change for Praxis as part of our Diaspora Changemakers programme. Working with 18 African refugees and migrants (both first and second generation), he ably led them through a thoughtful and interactive process. Participants found the concepts challenging but very stimulating […]"

VAUGHAN JONES
, PRAXIS

"A fantastic week, with great trainers, top level. I learned a lot, even after 8 years management and different management and leadership training. The best training I have ever participated in."

ALEXANDRE REYMOND
HEAD OF FINANCE & HR, WELTHUNGERHILFE

View our 2023/24 course calendar

Find out about upcoming course dates so you can plan your training dates! Course Calendar

About us

Our Values

Our goal

Our history

View our 2023/24 course calendar

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