About the African Legacies Institute
The African Legacies Institute is dedicated to preserving the democratic leadership of former African Heads of State and Government – both elected and transitional – who upheld constitutional order and advanced democratic principles.
We believe that leadership is an inheritance – a legacy that must be safeguarded, studied, and passed on.
Our mission extends beyond historical documentation. We create living resources – including digital presidential libraries, curated archives, and intergenerational dialogues – that not only honor the past, but actively shape Africa’s future.
By connecting the wisdom of yesterday with the challenges of today, we build bridges across generations. We ensure that the hard-won insights of leadership are not lost in transition, but instead become the foundation for stronger governance, sustainable development, and a shared vision for the continent’s next chapter.
Our Vision
A continent where the leadership values of the past serve as a guiding light for generations to come – strengthening governance, promoting peace, and inspiring inclusive progress across Africa.
Our Mission
To serve as a trusted platform for documenting and transmitting the leadership values, wisdom, and contributions of Africa’s former leaders – ensuring their legacies inspire the next generation and inform Africa’s democratic journey.
Our Why
The African Legacies Institute honors and amplifies the leadership legacies of Africa’s democratic former heads of state – both elected and transitional – who upheld constitutional order, fostered national unity, and laid the foundations for a peaceful and prosperous continent.
Why these legacies matter
Historical preservation
African leadership narratives have often been written by outside observers. The Institute ensures these stories are documented first-hand by those who lived them, creating authentic historical records for future generations.
Governance insights
The collective wisdom of former heads of state provides invaluable practical knowledge about effective governance, conflict resolution, and sustainable development tailored to African contexts.
Democratic reinforcement
By celebrating leaders who respected democratic transitions, we strengthen norms around peaceful power transfers and constitutional governance across the continent.
Founding principles
Historical
preservation
Ensuring the stories and legacies of African leaders are recognized and celebrated.
Comprehensive
research
Documenting the contributions of former African Heads of State.
Knowledge
exchange
Facilitating dialogue and sharing of governance insights and experiences.
Dynamic
collaboration
A platform connecting global leaders, policymakers, academia, and institutions.
Purpose
Safeguarding Africa’s Legacies
We are committed to the documentation, preservation, and celebration of the contributions of former African Heads of State and Government. Through the development of digital presidential libraries, rigorous archival research, and historically grounded storytelling, we ensure that their leadership, vision, and impact are formally recognized and transmitted to future generations.
Bridging generations, strengthening governance
We foster dialogue by facilitating high-level platforms for exchange between former Heads of State, policymakers, scholars, and institutions. Through structured engagement and intergenerational mentorship, we promote the transmission of leadership insights and democratic values – advancing peace, effective governance, and sustainable development across the continent.
Empowering future leaders
We are dedicated to equipping the next generation of African leaders with the values and principles embodied by the continent’s democratic leaders, including transitional Heads of State who upheld constitutional order and facilitated peaceful transfers of power. Through knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and strategic engagement, we preserve and transmit their wisdom – promoting integrity, transformative leadership, and civic responsibility. By leveraging tools such as digital presidential libraries and curated storytelling, we ensure that their legacies continue to inform and inspire future changemakers.
Approaches and methods
Archival preservation
Prioritizing the preservation and digitization of archival materials related to former African Heads of State and Government.
Research and documentation
Extensive research to gather biographical information, archival materials, speeches, interviews, and other pertinent documents related to former African Heads of State and Government.
Oral history and interviews
Conducting oral history interviews with individuals possessing first-hand knowledge of the Presidents’ or Prime Ministers’ tenure in office.
Public engagement and education
Organizing public lectures, seminars, conferences, and exhibitions to raise awareness and promote a deeper understanding of African political history and leadership.