Our work
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.
We do this through three programmes of work:
Reshaping the global narrative
Africa’s democratic journey contains powerful stories of transformation, resilience, and innovation. At the African Legacies Institute, we document and amplify these narratives to ensure they inform contemporary governance and inspire tomorrow’s leaders. Key focus areas are:
Celebrating democratic achievements
Highlighting peaceful transitions and successful governance models.
Addressing ongoing challenges
Encouraging honest, open dialogue about obstacles to democratic progress.
Sharing African solutions
Elevating indigenous leadership approaches to global challenges.
Building future leadership
Bridging the wisdom of the past with new governance innovations.
Preserving history, inspiring generations
Africa’s democratic legacy is too rich to be confined to archives – it must be preserved, shared, and actively engaged with. At the African Legacies Institute, we harness digital innovation to both protect the legacies of Africa’s former leaders and amplify their relevance in shaping the continent’s future.
Our Digital Presidential Libraries are dedicated to chronicling the leadership journeys of Africa’s distinguished former Heads of State. These libraries offer curated, interactive, and accessible platforms that preserve legacies, promote civic education, and inspire future governance leaders.
These libraries are not just historical repositories – they’re living, digital learning environments designed to educate, inform, and uplift. Key features are:
Interactive archives
Speeches, policies, photographs, and historical documents brought to life through immersive digital design.
Research tools
A comprehensive academic platform offering scholars access to rare and previously unavailable leadership materials.
Educational resources
Curriculum-integrated content designed for schools and universities to teach democratic values and African leadership stories.
Connecting legacies to leadership in action
While the libraries preserve, our strategic digital platforms engage. This pillar builds bridges between legacy and action, offering tools and spaces for dialogue, collaboration, and influence. Key components are:
Virtual Presidential Libraries
A centralized platform showcasing the lives, contributions, and leadership models of former African presidents, accessible globally.
Documentaries & Publications
Biographical films, policy briefs, academic articles, and multimedia content that disseminate insights and shape narratives.
High-Level Retreats
Closed-door convenings of former leaders, policymakers, scholars, and civil society for strategic dialogue, peer learning, and actionable outcomes.