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.

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.

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.

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
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.