Effie says two programmes will be offered in South Africa from 2025: Effie Fundamentals and Effie College. Each is built on the globally recognised Effie Framework for Marketing Effectiveness — an open-access platform developed to help marketers perform at the highest level.

"Effie's mission has always been to champion effectiveness. With the Effie Academy, we're building that into the future of the industry — not just by rewarding the work that works, but by teaching how to get there," says Gillian Rightford, ACA Executive Director for Effie South Africa. "These programmes are an investment in the people who create the work — from students entering the field to professionals sharpening their edge."

A Global Standard in Marketing Education

Drawing on Effie's library of cases and guided by some of the world's leading marketing minds, both programmes offer learning that blends theory and practice in a globally relevant, locally adapted format, says Effie. 

Effie Fundamentals is CPD-accredited through the Marketing Association of South Africa (MASA), at CMSA level, but also relevant to AMSA and MPSA, while Effie College is designed to enrich university curricula with learning that connects students directly with industry, says Effie. 

Effie Academy Programme Overview

Effie Fundamentals

Learn how to deliver 'Ideas That Work®'.

Effie Fundamentals is a case-based online learning experience tailored for marketers and professionals looking to refresh their skills through a globally informed, high-impact format. Participants explore the key principles of effectiveness through interactive modules that can be completed at their own pace, says Effie. 

Effie believes effectiveness should be an everyday orientation, and through Fundamentals, participants gain practical tools and real-world examples to make that a reality in their work.

South African pricing has been negotiated with Effie Global to ensure accessibility and value to local learners. Prices start at R3 800 per seat for ACA Members and Effie Sponsors / Partners, with a tiered sliding scale of discounts based on the number of seats, adds Effie. 

Effie College

Educating the next generation of marketers.

Effie College is a university-based programme that challenges students to develop integrated marketing strategies in response to a real-world brief from an established brand. Designed to be integrated into marketing curricula or offered as an extra-mural experience, Effie College is a practical, immersive introduction to marketing effectiveness, says Effie. 

Working in teams, students conduct research, develop creative ideas and present their campaigns to a jury of professionals, with finalists selected to pitch directly to the sponsoring brand. The result? A career-shaping experience that builds both confidence and capability, adds Effie. 

Effie says participation in Effie College is made possible through a brand sponsorship model, providing brands the opportunity to present their marketing challenge while helping shape future talent. The programme not only brings the Effie Framework into the classroom but also strengthens the connection between education and industry by building organic advocates for the brands involved and introducing students to leading marketers in a real-world simulation. 

Building a More Effective Industry

With the launch of Effie Academy, Effie South Africa concludes that it takes another step in its mission to champion marketing effectiveness through action and education. These two foundational programmes are only the beginning, and Effie invites individuals, agencies, brands and universities to get involved.

Individuals are encouraged to register here or contact gillian@acasa.co.za or dineo@acasa.co.za.  

For more information, visit www.effieawards.co.za. You can also follow Effie South Africa on Facebook, X or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor