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Our Origin

Connecting Leaders, Creating Impact.

The Africa Impact Forum (AIF) was born from the vision of the Africa Leadership Initiative (ALI), a pan-African fellowship launched in 2003 to cultivate a new generation of values-based leaders committed to shaping Africa’s future with integrity, courage and vision. Over the years, ALI has grown into a vibrant network of over 500 Fellows across East, West and Southern Africa, representing diverse sectors including government, business, civil society, academia and the arts.

collage of africa impact forum photos from 2018 to 2023

Our Purpose

Recognising the need for a continent-wide platform to deepen collaboration and collective leadership, ALI initiated the Africa Impact Forum in 2018. The AIF is a biennial gathering designed to bring Fellows together from across Africa to connect deeply on the continent’s most pressing challenges and opportunities. It provides a unique space to reflect, exchange ideas and commit to practical action that advances the Good Society—a vision of Africa defined by ethical leadership, shared values and sustainable progress.

people standing around a large globe of the world

Our Core Belief

The Africa ImpactForum is rooted in the conviction that Africa’s future depends on leaders who act with integrity and courage, who embrace the power of community and who are committed to building systems and institutions that endure. By convening every two years in different regions, the AIF nurtures a continent-wide leadership ecosystem aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the shared aspiration for a Good Society.

Unity Teamwork Diverse Hands Circle Collaboration Togetherness

Founded

2018 by Africa Leadership Initiative

Frequency

Every two years in different African regions

Participants

Over 300 Fellows from across Africa

Host Cities

2018: Stellenbosch, South Africa 

2020: Accra, Ghana 

2023: Kigali, Rwanda

2025: Cape Town & Hermanus, South Africa

Focus

Uniting pan-African leaders committed to ethical leadership and shared progress

Network

AIF At a Glance

Connect. Collaborate. Create Change.

Connection and Reflection

A space where Fellows pause from their demanding roles to reconnect with their purpose and with one another, renewing their commitment to values-based leadership.

Dialogue and Learning

Engaging seminars, workshops, dialogues and peer consultations exploring leadership challenges, innovative solutions and emerging opportunities across Africa.

Collaboration and Action

Opportunities to forge partnerships, co-create ventures and make measurable commitments that translate vision into impact.

AIF Milestones

Over three editions, the ALI Africa Impact Forum has brought together over 300 Fellows to deepen leadership across Africa. Each AIF has responded to the continent’s evolving challenges with themes that inspire action and collaboration.

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