Amandla Institute

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Amandla Institute Pan-African nonprofit fostering leadership, governance, democracy, and development. Building solutions for “The Africa We Want.” Why Amandla? What Do We Do?

We are the Amandla Institute for Policy and Leadership Advancement, a pan-African organisation established to drive bold initiatives in harnessing leadership and policy for the transformation of the African continent and the progress of global Africa. We were formally established as a registered not for profit entity in 2024 after a period of consultations with various actors in African governance, development, democracy, and security on the gaps which such an
organisation might fill in the ongoing quest for the Africa we want. Amandla is the word that is derived from the Nguni languages of Africa to denote power, energy, and strength. It gained common currency during the liberation struggles for the emancipation of the black majority from racist
settler colonialism, becoming a political slogan for rallying all fighters for freedom and justice. In adopting the word as the name of the Institute, we send out a clear message that by our own collective efforts and energies, and through our own agency, we shall reclaim the place of Africa in the world as a pole of transformation and a
beacon of hope for humankind. In pursuit of our commitment to unlock the leadership acumen of Africa and its Diasporas to engage policies that safeguard citizen freedom and dignity and propel an agenda of rapid and sustained transformation, the
Amandla Institute produces policy reports, convenes high level policy dialogues, organises various leadership salons, promotes intergenerational conversations, offers training and mentorship opportunities, and issues
publications on topical issues relevant to the leadership-policy interface in Africa. Why Focus on Leadership and Policy? Cognisant of the fact that there is no shortage of organisations working on leadership questions in one form
or another across Africa, the Amandla Institute offers a fresh approach that is anchored on the central importance of interfacing advanced leadership vision with a forward-looking long-term policy framework that
is aligned with the aspirations of Africans for a comprehensive transformation of their world and their
story. So What Is Our Theory of Change? Starting from the assumption that in the transformation of nations, leadership and policy matter each on their own, we propose that it is when both variables work in a seamless interface that countries and peoples are able to begin to change their narratives, lives, and livelihoods for the better. Forward progress demands advanced leadership that is able to take inspiration from the past, establish an organic connection with the present, and project well into the future in order to secure the freedom, rights, and
dignity of the citizenry. This, in turn, demands the nurturing of robust frameworks that allow for policy
advancement - production, adaptation, refinement, and forward projection - as a constant element in the
leadership equation. Leadership and policy advancement are, therefore, two sides of the same coin and together, in combination, hold the key to Africa's transformation.

22/09/2026

AMANDLA AT UNGA 81 | Moments from New York

What does Africa want from the United Nations, and what should the next Secretary-General expect from Africa?

That question shaped Amandla Institute’s High-Level Policy Dialogue in New York, bringing together leaders and thinkers with experience across African and global institutions.

From questions of representation and Security Council reform to peace and security, development, and Africa’s place in global decision-making, the discussion was frank about both the limitations of the current system and the possibilities for change.

For Amandla, creating the space for these conversations is part of putting African priorities, perspectives and interests firmly on the table where global decisions are being made.

The work continues.

THANK YOU | Amandla Institute at UNGA 81On behalf of the Amandla Institute for Policy and Leadership Advancement, we ext...
21/09/2026

THANK YOU | Amandla Institute at UNGA 81

On behalf of the Amandla Institute for Policy and Leadership Advancement, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our distinguished keynote speaker, speakers, panellists, partners, guests, and all who joined us for our High-Level Policy Dialogue at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Under the theme, “Africa’s Expectations of the New UN Secretary-General,” the dialogue brought together voices from across African and global institutions to reflect on the future of multilateralism and Africa’s place within it.

From the keynote address by H.E. Dr President Mokgweetsi Masisi, Former President of the Republic of Botswana, to the rich contributions from diplomats, scholars, development practitioners, and peace and security leaders, the conversation offered important perspectives on the priorities, expectations, and possibilities that lie ahead.

We are grateful for the candour, insight, and depth that each contributor brought to the conversation. The exchange reinforced the importance of ensuring that African priorities are not simply included in global conversations, but actively articulated and brought to the centre of them.

Thank you to everyone who showed up, engaged thoughtfully, challenged ideas, and contributed to making the dialogue a meaningful space for reflection and exchange.

QUOTABLE QUOTES | Amandla Institute at UNGA 81The Amandla Institute’s High-Level Policy Dialogue at the 81st United Nati...
20/09/2026

QUOTABLE QUOTES | Amandla Institute at UNGA 81

The Amandla Institute’s High-Level Policy Dialogue at the 81st United Nations General Assembly brought together distinguished voices to reflect on “Africa’s Expectations of the New UN Secretary-General.”

From leadership and multilateralism to Africa’s priorities in global governance, the conversation offered important insights from speakers and panellists.

Swipe through for some of the key quotes from the dialogue.

WHY THIS CONVERSATION MATTERS | Amandla Institute at UNGA 81As the Amandla Institute for Policy and Leadership Advanceme...
17/09/2026

WHY THIS CONVERSATION MATTERS | Amandla Institute at UNGA 81

As the Amandla Institute for Policy and Leadership Advancement prepares to convene its High-Level Policy Dialogue at the 81st United Nations General Assembly, we take a closer look at why this conversation matters.

With the selection of a new UN Secretary-General ahead, what does this moment mean for Africa, and what should the continent expect from the next UN leadership?

Swipe through to understand the context behind the conversation and the issues shaping Africa’s expectations.

📍 Westin Times Square, 9th Floor, New York
19 September 2026
2:00 PM – 5:30 PM

MEET OUR SPEAKERS & PANELLISTS | Amandla Institute at UNGA 81As the Amandla Institute for Policy and Leadership Advancem...
16/09/2026

MEET OUR SPEAKERS & PANELLISTS | Amandla Institute at UNGA 81

As the Amandla Institute for Policy and Leadership Advancement prepares to convene its High Level Policy Dialogue at the 81st United Nations General Assembly, we are pleased to introduce the distinguished speakers and panellists joining us in New York.

Under the theme, “Africa’s Expectations of the New UN Secretary General,” the dialogue will bring together former heads of state, senior United Nations and African Union officials, diplomats, scholars, development practitioners, and peace and governance experts to examine Africa’s priorities and expectations for the future of global multilateralism.

Our speakers and panellists include:

• H.E., Dr Mokgweetsi E. K. Masisi, Former President of the Republic of Botswana
• H.E., Amina J Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations
• H.E., Madam Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Liberia
• H.E., Ambassador Selma Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission
• H.E., Dr Monde Muyangwa, former Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Africa, USAID
• Professor Ebenezer Obadare, Douglas Dillon Senior Fellow for Africa Studies, Council on Foreign Relations
• Pa Bakary Sonko, African Youth Ambassador for Peace for West Africa
• H.E., Ambassador Michelle Ndiaye, Director, Transformative Peace Programme for Africa, Open Society Foundations
• H.E., Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, Co-Founder and Chairperson, Governing Board, Amandla Institute
• H.E., Dr Kayode Fayemi, Co-Founder, Amandla Institute
• Prof Adebayo Olorunimbe Olukoshi, President and Chief Executive Officer, Amandla Institute

Together, they bring perspectives from continental institutions, global multilateralism, diplomacy, governance, peace and security, development, scholarship, and civil society to a timely conversation on Africa’s place and priorities in a changing multilateral order.

📍 Westin Times Square, 9th Floor, New York
19 September 2026
2:00 PM – 5:30 PM | High-Level Policy Dialogue

Follow the conversation as Amandla Institute brings African perspectives to the global stage at .

SAVE THE DATE | Amandla Institute at UNGA 81On 19 September 2026, the Amandla Institute for Policy and Leadership Advanc...
09/09/2026

SAVE THE DATE | Amandla Institute at UNGA 81

On 19 September 2026, the Amandla Institute for Policy and Leadership Advancement will convene a High Level Policy Dialogue at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Themed “Africa’s Expectations of the New UN Secretary General”, the dialogue will bring together policymakers, diplomats and thought leaders to explore Africa’s priorities and expectations for the future of global multilateralism.

📍 Westin Times Square, 9th Floor, New York
2:00 PM – 5:30 PM | High Level Policy Dialogue
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Cocktail Reception

Save the date.

AMANDLA INSTITUTE | CLIMATE & DEVELOPMENTAfrica’s climate finance challenge is not only about how much money is availabl...
07/09/2026

AMANDLA INSTITUTE | CLIMATE & DEVELOPMENT

Africa’s climate finance challenge is not only about how much money is available. It is also about whether that money can actually reach the communities, organisations and countries that need it most.

For many communities facing the effects of climate change, access to climate finance remains difficult, while funding processes can be complex, slow and difficult to navigate. This raises an important question about how we measure the success of climate finance.

It is not enough to announce commitments or mobilise billions. What matters is whether those resources reach the ground, support people facing climate risks and translate into real improvements in resilience and livelihoods.

Africa does not only need more climate finance. It needs climate finance that is accessible, accountable and delivered where it matters most.

“The twenty-first century presents Africa with a historic opportunity to redefine the meaning of Pan-Africanism.”REIMAGI...
04/09/2026

“The twenty-first century presents Africa with a historic opportunity to redefine the meaning of Pan-Africanism.”

REIMAGINING GLOBAL AFRICA | Policy Brief

What does Pan-Africanism mean in a changing global order?

In Reimagining Global Africa: Leveraging Diaspora Engagement for Strategic Agency and Continental Transformation in a Multipolar World, the Amandla Institute examines the evolving meaning of Pan-Africanism and the strategic importance of Africa’s global diaspora.

This collection of quotable quotes highlights key arguments from the policy brief on Global Africa, diaspora engagement, continental integration and Africa’s strategic agency in a multipolar world.

Read and download the full policy brief:
https://bit.ly/AmandlaJulyPolicyBrief

A proud moment for the Amandla Institute as our Co Founder, H.E. Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, takes on the role of Chair of the ...
02/09/2026

A proud moment for the Amandla Institute as our Co Founder, H.E. Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, takes on the role of Chair of the Economic Inclusion Forum at the Gender & Inclusion Summit 2026.

Her decades of work advancing women’s rights, economic empowerment and inclusive development continue to shape important conversations on how we build more equitable societies and expand opportunities for women and girls.

We look forward to the conversations and ideas that GS26 will bring. Join us in Abuja or virtually.

We are honoured to announce H.E. Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi () as Chair of the Economic Inclusion Forum at the Gender & Inclusion Summit 2026 (GS-26).

A respected policy advocate and Co-founder of the Amandla Institute for Policy and Leadership Advancement, H.E. Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi brings decades of leadership and advocacy for women’s rights, economic empowerment and inclusive development.

At GS26, the Economic Inclusion Forum will bring together leaders across government, finance, business, agriculture and development to examine how practical, scalable innovations can expand economic opportunities for women and girls, including expanding access to finance and markets to technology, productive assets and resilient livelihoods.

If you haven’t already, register to be part of GS26.

🔗: policycentre.org/GS26

And if you’re outside Abuja, virtual participation for the Gender and Inclusion Summit is now open.

Register to participate virtually: 🔗 https://policycentre.org/gs26/virtual/

ONE YEAR AGO TODAY | Amandla InstituteOn this day one year ago, the Amandla Institute convened its inaugural Intergenera...
02/09/2026

ONE YEAR AGO TODAY | Amandla Institute

On this day one year ago, the Amandla Institute convened its inaugural Intergenerational Dialogue on Policy and Leadership, bringing together leaders and emerging voices to reflect on the experiences, lessons and responsibilities that shape leadership across generations.

Themed “What Lessons of Experience for Next Generation Leaders?”, the dialogue created a space for meaningful exchange on leadership, public service, institutions and the responsibility of today’s leaders to prepare and inspire those who will lead tomorrow.

One year on, we look back on the conversations, insights and connections that made the first edition memorable.

Who’s looking forward to the next edition? 👀

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