About The African Council On Foreign Relations
We are building a future where Africa is not just present—but powerful—on the global stage. Your support enables us to conduct groundbreaking research, convene high-level dialogues, and shape policies that reflect Africa’s voice, values, and vision.
The African Council on Foreign Relations (ACFR) is an independent, pan-African membership foreign think tank that conducts independent research, advocacy, studies, training, and consultancy on African international relations, foreign policy, economic, and governance issues.
ACFR is committed to building a dynamic platform that unites leaders from business, government, the private sector, and civil society to exchange insights, generate innovative solutions, and advance Africa’s strategic interests on the global stage.
Strategic Statement
The African Council on Foreign Relations (ACFR) is a premier think tank dedicated to advancing Africa’s strategic interests in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. ACFR serves as a trusted platform that convenes leaders from government, business, academia, civil society, and the private sector to foster dialogue, generate innovative solutions, and shape policy responses to the continent’s most pressing challenges.
Rooted in intellectual rigor and guided by a pan-African vision, ACFR anticipates emerging global trends and their implications for Africa. Through cutting-edge research, strategic foresight, and inclusive engagement, the Council works to ensure that African perspectives are not only heard but are central to global decision-making processes.
ACFR’s work spans critical domains such as international diplomacy, technological transformation, climate resilience, economic development, and geopolitical strategy. By bridging knowledge and action, ACFR empowers African institutions and thought leaders to navigate global dynamics with confidence, clarity, and purpose.
Ultimately, ACFR strives to be the continent’s most trusted source of insight and influence—championing Africa’s voice, shaping its future, and positioning it as a decisive actor on the global stage.
Vision & Mission
Vision: To be the most trusted think tank that serves, anticipates, and solves Africa’s most pressing challenges on the global stage—through bold research, strategic foresight, and transformative ideas.
Mission: To produce innovative intellect and craft forward-thinking foreign policy solutions through strategic collaboration and global partnerships—empowering Africa to confront its most complex challenges with unity, creativity, and resilience at both continental and international levels.
Core Values
The African Council on Foreign Relations (ACFR) is guided by a set of core values that reflect its commitment to Africa’s agency, ethical leadership, and strategic global engagement. While its official value statement is not publicly detailed, its mission and programming suggest the following foundational principles:
Boldness: At the African Council on Foreign Relations, boldness is more than a trait—it is a strategic imperative. We champion bold ideas, programs, initiatives, and projects because we believe that only bold enterprises can drive real change and meaningful transformation. Our boldness is rooted in determination, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to purpose. It empowers us to confront complex challenges head-on, navigate uncertainty with clarity, and remain steadfast in advancing our vision, mission, and goals. Boldness is the catalyst that turns intention into impact, positioning the Council as a fearless architect of Africa’s future in a rapidly shifting global order.
Pan-African Solidarity: We champion Pan-African solidarity as a foundational principle for Africa’s global engagement. Rooted in a shared history of resistance and liberation, this solidarity affirms the unity, dignity, and collective purpose of African nations and peoples across borders. From the 1945 Pan-African Congress to the formation of the African Union, the continent has consistently asserted its right to self-determination and mutual advancement. We believe that Africa’s strength lies in its cohesion, and that global influence requires continental alignment. Through convening, coalition-building, and narrative leadership, we work to ensure that Africa speaks with clarity, confidence, and unity on the world stage.
Equitable Global Order: The African Council on Foreign Relations is committed to advancing a global order rooted in fairness, justice, and shared agency. We reject systems that marginalize Africa’s voice and instead advocate for structural reforms that position the continent as a co-architect of international norms and institutions. Our work is informed by Africa’s long-standing calls for inclusive representation—from United Nations Security Council reform to equitable health governance—and driven by the belief that global legitimacy depends on pluralism, accountability, and historical redress. Through research, convening, and strategic advocacy, we help shape a world where Africa is not a passive participant, but a decisive force in designing the rules that govern our collective future.
Inclusive Dialogue: Inclusive dialogue is the heartbeat of the African Council on Foreign Relations. We create intentional spaces where diverse voices—from government, business, civil society, and academia—come together to co-create Africa’s global agenda. We believe that meaningful progress emerges from listening deeply, engaging respectfully, and building consensus across perspectives. By fostering inclusive dialogue, we ensure that Africa’s international engagement is grounded in plurality, shared wisdom, and a collective commitment to shaping a future that reflects the continent’s full richness and complexity.
Peace and Stability: Peace and stability are foundational to Africa’s sustainable development and global leadership. At the African Council on Foreign Relations, we champion conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and responsible natural resource management as essential pillars of a resilient and prosperous continent. We engage with complexity, foster dialogue across divides, and support initiatives that promote justice, reconciliation, and long-term stability. By advancing peace and stability, we create the conditions for Africa to thrive—economically, politically, and diplomatically—in an interconnected world.
Collaboration: We believe that lasting progress emerges from shared vision and collective action. The African Council on Foreign Relations fosters collaboration across sectors, borders, and disciplines—bringing together governments, businesses, civil society, and academia to co-create solutions that reflect Africa’s diverse realities and aspirations. Through inclusive dialogue and strategic partnerships, we build bridges that amplify Africa’s agency and unlock new possibilities for global engagement.
Innovation: Innovation is the lifeblood of transformation. At the Council, we embrace African ingenuity and forward-thinking approaches to address complex global challenges. Whether through policy design, technological advancement, or narrative reframing, we cultivate a culture of creativity that reimagines Africa’s role in shaping the future. Our commitment to innovation ensures that Africa is not only adapting to change—but leading it.
Integrity: Integrity is the moral compass that guides every action, decision, and partnership at the African Council on Foreign Relations. We uphold the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct, ensuring that our work reflects the trust placed in us by the communities and institutions we serve. Integrity strengthens our credibility, deepens our impact, and reinforces our commitment to building a just and principled international order where Africa’s voice is heard and respected.
These values position the African Council on Foreign Relations not only as a thought leader but as a movement—anchored in principle, driven by purpose, and committed to redefining Africa’s role in shaping a just and inclusive world. By centering equity, solidarity, and co-creation, ACFR advances a new paradigm of global engagement: one where Africa is not peripheral to power but central to progress. We convene, challenge, and collaborate to ensure that Africa’s voice is not only heard but heeded—informing the norms, institutions, and narratives that will define the future.
What We Offer
The African Council on Foreign Relations acknowledges the significance of African international relations in shaping global affairs and the world order. Since its inception, the African Council on Foreign Relations has been conducting international programs on African international relations that include: Diplomacy and Foreign Policy Initiatives, Scientific & public policy research, Development projects for youths, ACFR Executive education through leadership development fellowship programs, Peacebuilding & sustainable development and promoting peace and stability for economic development in Africa and beyond, Promoting values-based international cooperation and multilateralism as a new development model in Africa, and Academic and Professional Development Programs.
Centers, Initiatives, Programs, and Projects
The African Council on Foreign Relations is a convening force and intellectual home for Africa’s global leadership. Through its Diplomatic School, Global Africa Center, Presidential Leadership Research Center and a portfolio of priority and special projects, ACFR cultivates excellence, fosters innovation, and drives collaborative action across borders and sectors. Each arm of the Council is united by a shared commitment: to elevate African agency in global affairs, shape ethical and inclusive governance, and build platforms that empower rising leaders and visionary thinkers. Whether training the next generation of diplomats, advancing frontier research, or mobilizing coalitions for systemic reform, ACFR stands at the forefront of Africa’s engagement with the world—not as a reactive institution, but as a proactive architect of global transformation.
“Through our initiatives, we engage a diverse and influential audience across the field of international relations—including government officials, business leaders, academic scholars, entrepreneurs, policymakers, media executives, diplomats, and the broader public. Our programs are designed to foster dialogue, innovation, and collaboration among those shaping global affairs.” Jean Narcisse Djaha, PhD
- ACFR Diplomatic School
The ACFR Diplomatic School is a premier training ground for diplomats, senior government officials, and global executives navigating today’s complex international landscape. With a curriculum that blends strategic foresight, ethical leadership, and real-world application, the School equips participants to lead with clarity, agility, and impact. Its faculty—drawn from top global institutions and seasoned diplomatic corps—are consistently ranked among the world’s best, offering unparalleled expertise across negotiation, governance, and geopolitical analysis. Whether preparing envoys for multilateral forums or guiding corporate leaders through global transitions, the ACFR Diplomatic School is shaping the stewards of Africa’s global future.
- Global Africa Center
The Global Africa Center is ACFR’s flagship hub for excellence in African international relations. Positioned to become a global reference point, the Center delivers cutting-edge analysis on economic and geopolitical developments, produces timely and actionable policy briefs, and conducts high-level stakeholder mapping to inform strategic decision-making. Its work is grounded in Africa’s priorities and demands—ensuring that research, recommendations, and convenings reflect the continent’s lived realities and aspirational futures. From shaping global economic discourse to influencing multilateral negotiations, the Center serves as a catalyst for Africa’s leadership in international affairs, offering insight, foresight, and frameworks that empower African actors to lead with clarity and conviction.
- Presidential Leadership Research Center
Founded by the African Council on Foreign Relations in 2025, the Presidential Leadership Research Center is a pioneering initiative dedicated to strengthening executive leadership across the continent. Through immersive programs, strategic research, and high-level convenings, the Center supports African heads of state in building resilient nations, delivering effectively for their citizens, and confronting the continent’s most urgent leadership challenges. Its work is grounded in the belief that transformative governance requires not only vision, but also the tools, networks, and insights to lead with integrity and impact. By fostering peer exchange, evidence-based policy design, and leadership innovation, the Center is shaping a new era of African presidential leadership—one defined by accountability, excellence, and continental purpose.
- Center for Values in AI (Coming in 2026-2027)
ACFR Center for Values in AI was established in 2025 as a partnership between the African Council on Foreign Relations and the Africa-Israel Economic Cooperation Committee. Our mission is to promote the prioritization of human values in the development and application of AI in societal and business contexts in Africa. The ACFR Center for Values in AI brings together globally renowned experts in technology, government, business, and civil society sectors. Through high-powered programming and developments, we raise the alarm, educate, empower, and inspire technology builders and their users to place human values at the heart of their innovations in a way that does not destroy the social fabric of our beloved humanity but participates in preserving the human species.
Fellowship Programs
The African Council on Foreign Relations runs three fellowship programs:
- The Presidential Leadership Development Fellowship (WRPLDF): The Presidential Leadership Development Fellowship (WRPLDF) Program provides rising young people with a unique opportunity to learn how they can better serve their nations and communities. During this dynamic and inclusive leadership development program, young people will do the following:
- The Africa Presidential Leadership Development Fellowship Program: The Young Leaders for A New Africa Fellowship Program supports youth leadership development across the African continent. Our top priority is to encourage young leaders to pursue their life dreams with passion, integrity, and hope. Through the Young Leaders for A New Africa Fellowship Program, ACFR Diplomatic School seeks to provide rising young leaders with the opportunity to learn, grow, and actively participate in the development of their communities and nations.
- The Next Young African Hero Fellowship Program: In line with Dr. Jean Narcisse Djaha’s focus on supporting the next generation of global leaders to maximize their circle of impact through creative writing, The Next Young African Hero Fellowship Program offers a unique platform for rising leaders, innovative thinkers, and high-impact young leaders to grow with global leaders with exceptional accomplishments and realizations. Fellows learn to build authority, influence, drive impact, lead transformational change, and do social good for humanity.
Projects
- Réseau Humanitaire Afrique:
A project of the Global Peace Education Network, in partnership with the African Council on Foreign Relations, Réseau Humanitaire Afrique is dedicated to strengthening the capacities of humanitarian organizations across the continent. The Network fosters collaboration, knowledge exchange, and joint advocacy among African humanitarian actors, enabling them to respond more effectively to crises—from climate-induced disasters to conflict and displacement. By convening practitioners, offering strategic training, and amplifying African-led solutions, the Network advances a vision of humanitarian action rooted in solidarity, dignity, and continental leadership.
- Globally X:
Globally X believes in the transformative power of creative writing, human imagination, entrepreneurial innovation, and expressive storytelling to shape the visions, missions, and worldviews of rising leaders—especially those who are the children and grandchildren of immigrants in the United States. We champion their full potential by nurturing spaces where talent is not only recognized but radically affirmed, where stories become strategies, and where creativity becomes a catalyst for leadership, belonging, and systemic change.
“We ignite the creative fire of immigrant-rooted leaders to reimagine power, belonging, and the future.”
“Where talent meets truth—Globally X is a movement of stories that shape systems.”
Globally X is a creative force and cultural catalyst rooted in the belief that the children and grandchildren of immigrants carry visionary legacies worth amplifying. We exist to unlock their full potential through the art of storytelling, the craft of creative writing, and the spark of entrepreneurial innovation. In a world that often overlooks inherited brilliance, we build platforms where talent is affirmed, voices are sharpened, and narratives become instruments of leadership and systemic change. Globally X is not just a program—it is a movement of expressive power, where imagination meets strategy, and where immigrant-rooted leaders reframe belonging, reshape institutions, and reimagine the future.
Conference programming
- The ACFR Political Action Conference
Since its founding in 2023, the African Council on Foreign Relations Political Action Conference (ACFR PAC) has become a premier annual convening for African, diaspora, and global leaders committed to reimagining Africa’s role in international politics. The conference serves as a strategic platform to address pressing issues across economic sovereignty, democratic governance, and global norm-setting, with a particular emphasis on Africa’s agency in shaping multilateral systems. Through high-level dialogues, policy innovation labs, and cross-sector collaboration, ACFR PAC fosters bold, future-facing solutions that center African perspectives and leadership. As the continent navigates complex global shifts—from AI diplomacy to climate justice—the conference continues to amplify Africa’s voice, mobilize its diaspora, and build coalitions that advance justice, equity, and ethical transformation on the world stage.
Call To Action
Join us in shaping Africa’s future on the global stage.
At the African Council on Foreign Relations (ACFR), we believe that Africa’s voice must be central in global decision-making. We invite thought leaders, policymakers, scholars, entrepreneurs, and civil society actors to collaborate with us in advancing bold ideas, strategic solutions, and transformative policies.
Whether through research, dialogue, or partnership, your engagement strengthens our mission to anticipate challenges, influence global narratives, and champion Africa’s interests worldwide.
Partner with ACFR. Contribute to the conversation. Be part of the change.
Donors & Funders: Partner with Purpose. Invest in Africa’s Global Future.
At the African Council on Foreign Relations (ACFR), we are building a future where Africa is not just present—but powerful—on the global stage. Your support enables us to conduct groundbreaking research, convene high-level dialogues, and shape policies that reflect Africa’s voice, values, and vision.
By investing in ACFR, you are:
- Empowering African thought leadership in diplomacy, technology, and global governance.
- Fueling strategic foresight that anticipates challenges and crafts African-led solutions.
- Strengthening institutions that promote peace, prosperity, and global influence.
We invite you to join our community of visionary donors who believe in Africa’s potential to lead. Your contribution is more than a gift—it’s a commitment to a continent rising with purpose and power.
Support ACFR. Shape the narrative. Influence the future.