About AAI
Founded in 1953 as the premier Africa-focused U.S.-based non-profit, The Africa-America Institute's (AAI) mission is to strengthen human capacity in Africa. AAI pursues this mission mainly by designing and managing programs, through its African Higher Education and Training (AHET) program pillar, that enable African students to pursue academic degrees and non-degree professional certificates at quality tertiary (post secondary) institutions within and outside Africa. AAI programs also provide a platform, through its Educational Outreach and Policy (EOP) program pillar, for African perspectives to inform U.S. policies and attitudes toward Africa that have a bearing on African human capacity building. AAI's core purpose is to contribute to the reduction of both povertyin all its manifestations (hunger, illiteracy, poor health, lack of security, powerlessness, etc.)and unemployment, and to the expansion of freedom, in Africa.
Since its establishment AAI-administered scholarship programs have enabled talented men and women from every region of Africa to complete college, graduate-level, and professional training in fundamental capacity-building fields including agriculture, business and finance, education, government, health care, science and technology.
AAI’s programs yield tangible results: between 90% and 100% of AAI education program alumni have returned to Africa to become business and political leaders, entrepreneurs, health-care workers and educators increasing local capacity and strengthening the foundation for African development.
Complementing its focus on capacity building through education and training, AAI's EOP programs also help key policymakers, business executives, government officials, and opinion leaders—especially in the United States—gain a more complete understanding of Africa. This work takes place through roundtables, online discussions and exchange programs. Online discussions, forums and rountables in Africa and America also provide opportunities for Africans to present African perspectives on issues of mutual interest to Africans and Americans.
AAI is a multi-racial, multi-ethnic, non-profit organization with headquarters in New York and offices in South Africa and Mozambique. Through its alumni, AAI has an on-the-ground presence in over 50 African countries. AAI’s work is made possible through funds provided by the U.S. government, African governments, private foundations, corporate donors, multilateral institutions and individuals.