Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS)

Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) The Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS)

The Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) is a continental institute that seeks to address the short, medium, and long-term development challenges in Africa in a holistic and comprehensive manner. MINDS emerged out of the observation that development efforts in Africa have failed to meet expectations with respect to social, institutional and economic outcomes in comparison to other regions of the world such as Asia. L'Institut Mandela pour les études de développement (MINDS) est un institut continental qui vise à adresser les questions sur les défis de développement en Afrique à court, moyen, et à long terme d'une manière holistique et globale. MINDS a émergé suite à l'observation faite que les efforts de développement en Afrique ont échouée à répondre aux attentes par rapports aux résultats sociaux, institutionnels et économiques en comparaison à d'autres régions du monde comme l'Asie.

🌍 MEET MINDS SCHOLAR ALUMNUS ISAIAH KPORON 🇷🇼Leadership becomes more powerful when it creates opportunities for others t...
12/10/2026

🌍 MEET MINDS SCHOLAR ALUMNUS ISAIAH KPORON 🇷🇼

Leadership becomes more powerful when it creates opportunities for others to grow.

Based in Kigali, Isaiah is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Simplejoint, an Adjunct Faculty member at the African Leadership University and an Advisory Board member at the African Leadership Academy.

His work brings together human development, mentorship and values-based leadership. Through JOINTHUB Africa, an AI-enabled platform, Isaiah is also strengthening the delivery of SIMPLEJOINT’s mentorship programmes.

His MINDS journey deepened his commitment to Pan-African leadership and his vision of empowering a new generation of Africans to lead with vision, virtue and purpose.

Isaiah’s story reminds us that Africa’s future will be shaped not only by individual achievement, but by leaders who invest in others.

On 12 October 1968, Equatorial Guinea gained independence from Spain. The country soon took its place within continental...
12/10/2026

On 12 October 1968, Equatorial Guinea gained independence from Spain. The country soon took its place within continental and global institutions, joining the Organisation of African Unity and becoming a member of the United Nations that same year.

Located in Central Africa, Equatorial Guinea comprises mainland and island territories, with a cultural identity shaped by African traditions and a distinctive Spanish colonial history.

As the country marks 58 years of independence, the anniversary is an opportunity to honour its journey and reflect on the future. Lasting sovereignty requires accountable institutions, inclusive development and meaningful opportunities for young people to participate and lead.

Happy 58th Independence Day, Equatorial Guinea!

Leadership is not only about how we show up for others. It also begins with how we care for ourselves. 🧠🌍Mental wellbein...
10/10/2026

Leadership is not only about how we show up for others. It also begins with how we care for ourselves. 🧠🌍

Mental wellbeing influences how we learn, connect, work and lead. Yet many young Africans still feel expected to carry pressure in silence or fear being judged for seeking support.

At MINDS, we believe Africa’s progress depends on people who are supported to thrive. Self-aware leadership means recognising our limits, listening without judgement and helping build communities where asking for support is treated as strength.

This World Mental Health Day, let us challenge stigma and create space for honest conversations, care and healing.

Check in with yourself and someone you care about today.

Two urgent conversations. Two new MINDS reports. One commitment to moving from insight to action. 🌍Coming in next week’s...
09/10/2026

Two urgent conversations. Two new MINDS reports. One commitment to moving from insight to action. 🌍

Coming in next week’s MINDS newsletter:
🗳️ Why People Don’t Vote, examining youth disengagement, declining institutional trust and the barriers to meaningful political participation.

🤖 AI for Africa’s Development: From Innovation to Impact, exploring data sovereignty, education, bias and opportunities to build Africa-centred AI solutions.

Subscribe to read the full reports and receive more insights, opportunities and stories from our Pan-African community.

Subscribe today: https://mailchi.mp/minds-africa/newsletter

On 9 October 1962, Uganda gained independence from Britain, following its transition to self-government earlier that yea...
09/10/2026

On 9 October 1962, Uganda gained independence from Britain, following its transition to self-government earlier that year. Under Prime Minister Apollo Milton Obote, the country began a new chapter of sovereign rule.

Uganda later became a founding member of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963, affirming its commitment to African cooperation and solidarity.

Sixty-four years later, this anniversary invites reflection on both the country’s progress and the work ahead. For young Ugandans, freedom must also mean opportunities to learn, participate and lead.

May Uganda’s next chapter be strengthened by inclusive development, accountable institutions and leadership that turns independence into shared prosperity.

Happy 64th Independence Day, Uganda!

Africa needs women transforming institutions, refugees bringing lived experience to complex challenges, and people with ...
08/10/2026

Africa needs women transforming institutions, refugees bringing lived experience to complex challenges, and people with disabilities contributing ideas and perspectives that are too often excluded.

The MINDS Scholarship Program supports emerging African leaders to pursue postgraduate studies in another African country, build meaningful cross-border connections and develop a stronger Pan-African outlook.

If you are an African woman, a refugee or a young African living with a disability, and you meet the eligibility requirements, we encourage you to apply.

Begin by exploring our partner universities and securing admission. Then visit www.minds-africa.org to check your eligibility and submit your scholarship application.

Your journey may be different. Your leadership still belongs in Africa’s future.

Can Africa embrace change without losing the knowledge, values and ways of life that have sustained its communities for ...
06/10/2026

Can Africa embrace change without losing the knowledge, values and ways of life that have sustained its communities for generations? 🌍

Join the MINDS webinar on 'Indigenous Communities Living By Indigenous Ways in an Evolving Africa'.

📅 15 October 2026
🎤 Moderator: Tlamelo Cindy Melemo
🎙️ Guest speaker: Professor Siphamandla Zondi

The conversation will explore how indigenous communities are preserving their identities amid social, economic and environmental change and what African development can learn from indigenous knowledge, governance and cultural resilience.

🔗 Register here: https://shorturl.at/FaJ3f

Across Africa, teachers do more than share knowledge. They encourage young people to question, create, lead and imagine ...
05/10/2026

Across Africa, teachers do more than share knowledge. They encourage young people to question, create, lead and imagine new possibilities for their communities.

At MINDS, we believe education is a foundation for African-led development. Through our Scholarship Program, young Africans pursue postgraduate studies across borders, broaden their perspectives and build Pan-African connections.

This World Teachers’ Day, we celebrate the teachers, lecturers and mentors shaping Africa’s next generation of leaders.
Tag a teacher who has made a difference in your journey.

🌍 RENCONTREZ NOTRE ALUMNI | Constant Rodrigue ADMISSE 🇨🇫Basé en République centrafricaine, Constant est sociologue et s...
05/10/2026

🌍 RENCONTREZ NOTRE ALUMNI | Constant Rodrigue ADMISSE 🇨🇫

Basé en République centrafricaine, Constant est sociologue et spécialiste de l’action humanitaire et du développement, avec plus de 12 ans d’expérience dans la protection de l’enfance, l’engagement des jeunes, la cohésion sociale et la prévention des violences.

Depuis son intégration à la communauté MINDS en 2016, il poursuit un leadership profondément ancré dans les communautés, en mobilisant jeunes, institutions et acteurs locaux autour de solutions durables.

Pour Constant, le leadership consiste à écouter, fédérer et permettre aux communautés de devenir actrices du changement.

On 4 October 1966, Lesotho gained independence from Britain, with King Moshoeshoe II as monarch and Leabua Jonathan as i...
04/10/2026

On 4 October 1966, Lesotho gained independence from Britain, with King Moshoeshoe II as monarch and Leabua Jonathan as its first Prime Minister. The country’s history is also rooted in the legacy of King Moshoeshoe I, whose leadership and diplomacy united the Basotho nation.

Known as the Kingdom in the Sky, Lesotho is entirely surrounded by South Africa yet maintains a distinct national and cultural identity.

Under the Diamond Jubilee theme, “Honouring Our Past, Shaping Our Future,” this milestone invites Basotho to celebrate their journey while building a future strengthened by unity, accountable leadership and opportunities for young people.

Happy 60th Independence Day, Lesotho!

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Investment Place, Block C, 10th Road, Hyde Park
Johannesburg
2010

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Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
Friday 09:00 - 17:00

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+27113250501

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