COSECSA delivers a common surgical training programme with an internationally bench-marked exam and qualification.

[1] COSECSA is a non-profit making body that currently operates in 14 countries in the sub-Saharan region: Botswana, Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

In 1996, in response to perceived inadequacies of surgical training in the region, the ASEA steering committee decided to create the College of Surgeons of East, Central & Southern Africa (COSECSA).

In December 2001, at the first annual general meeting in Lusaka, Zambia the council of the college was elected by the foundation fellows.

The academic component of the programme is delivered online, through an e-learning portal, and through workshops held across the region.