Our Work
At Aspen Initiative Africa, we are dedicated to driving positive change across Africa and beyond. Our programs cover a wide range of critical issues, from democracy and governance to economic prosperity, environmental sustainability, and cultural enrichment. Through innovative initiatives and strategic partnerships, we aim to inspire meaningful dialogue, foster collaboration, and catalyze action for a brighter future. Explore our diverse programs below to learn more about how we're making a difference.
Climate Change
As Aspen Initiative Africa - Nairobi, in collaboration with our partners, we aim to amplify the African voice in the global climate change discussion. Our program includes several key initiatives:
Climate Factivism
We provide data-driven tools to empower climate activists and investors, helping them allocate resources where they can have the most impact.
Africa Biodiversity Initiative
This initiative focuses on raising awareness about innovative wildlife conservation and climate finance models in Africa. By testing and modeling these approaches, we aim to support global climate action.
Africa Nutrition Transition Initiative
Under our Future of Food program, we examine the impact of dietary trends across Africa on health, agriculture, and sustainable development. Through this initiative, we seek to shed light on the importance of nutrition in shaping Africa’s future.
Through these initiatives, Aspen Initiative Africa – Nairobi and our partners are working to address pressing environmental and sustainability challenges facing Africa and the world.
Culture, Identity & Society
In line with the Aspen Institute's rich legacy, the Aspen Initiative Africa - Nairobi African Classics program nurtures and shares the works of poets, authors, musicians, and others who explore the African experience and the concept of the Good Society. Our initiatives include:
Philosophy Fridays
Through bi-monthly gatherings, we blend classical and African philosophical perspectives to address contemporary personal and political issues.
Who is an African?' Conversation Series
This series provides a platform for non-traditional Africans, including racial minorities and diaspora communities, to redefine the concept of African identity in today’s world.
Periodic Seminars
Events like the Socrates Seminar are structured on different thematic topics such as The Future of Masculinity where we examine shifts in societal norms, expectations, and perceptions of African identity in the modern era.
Through these programs, Aspen Initiative Africa Nairobi fosters dialogue, reflection, and exploration of the diverse facets of African identity and society.
Democracy & Governance
Aspen Initiative Africa Nairobi is dedicated to promoting democratic norms and good governance globally, echoing the sentiments of the late Madeleine Albright
“Yet if democracy is going to take root, we have learned that it must be accompanied by policies that will improve the living standards for the many, not just the privileged few. In short, the institutions of democracy must deliver. People want to vote and eat.”
Our programs foster meaningful dialogue on democratic resilience, with a focus on key stakeholders in legacy media, new media, and public service.
Through gatherings and roundtables, participants engage in discussions on the factors contributing to democratic erosion and explore strategies for strengthening democratic governance in the 21st century. Our activities include the “Future of Journalism” Policy & Practice Lab and the Online Influencers Fellowship.
By encouraging dialogue and collaboration among diverse voices, Aspen Initiative Africa Nairobi aims to advance democratic values and practices for a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Business & Technology
The private sector plays a crucial role in driving prosperity and sustainability in Africa. To support this, the Aspen Initiative Africa focuses on three key areas:
Trust in Business
This program, anchored on thought leadership, guides business leaders who are committed to fostering integrity and sustainability in their business practices.
Partnerships in Prosperity Program
This program targets Pan-African economic initiatives, such as the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement, the BRICS, and the Commonwealth, to promote more open and sustainable trade.
Missing Middle Program
This program supports leaders who are championing innovative financing models for small and growing businesses, which are the largest employers in Africa.
Through these initiatives, Aspen Initiative Africa aims to strengthen the private sector’s role in driving economic growth and sustainability across the continent.
How We Do It
Since 1974, The Aspen Institute has been a globally respected convener for diverse thought leaders, scholars, and citizens to address complex global issues. Our programs are renowned for fostering constructive dialogue and inspiring real-world actions. As part of this esteemed network, Aspen Initiative Africa Nairobi develops and delivers a range of events and activities in different styles and formats that are curated and tailored to specific audiences and these events/activities include the following:
Open Conversations
These are public-access dialogues fostering deeper thinking on contemporary challenges. These include monthly webinars and forums on global affairs and controversies.
Closed Dialogues
These are exclusive events for senior leaders and policymakers, catalyzing policy acceleration and actionable change. These feature engaging dialogues and policy roundtables on critical issues, including Policy and Practice Labs for cross-sectoral innovation.
Seminars
Incorporating Aspen Institute’s text-based dialogues, these seminars provide a platform for participants to explore and clarify their values through Socratic dialogue, becoming part of a diverse professional network. Currently the Aspen Initiative Africa hosts the Socrates seminar, Sankara seminar, and Youth seminar on an annual basis.
Fellowships
In the form of structured programs lasting from 6 months to 3 years, bringing together African leaders to reflect on their journeys and build resilience. Examples include the Online Influencer Fellowship and the Sports and Society Fellowship, among others.
The Aspen Initiative Africa has a range of events lined up for 2024 and here is a glimpse of what to expect:
Policy & Practice Lab: Remote Jobs for Africa
Date : 9:00am to 1:00pm
Location : Villa Rosa Kempinski
Philosophy Friday: The Sangoma in Africa’s Closet
Location : Villa Rosa Kempinski
Philosophy Friday: What Is a Man – Deconstructing African Masculinity
Date : 18:00
Location : Villa Rosa Kempinski
Poison on our Plates: Arresting Africa’s Devastating Nutrition Transition
Location : Virtual