Securing Our Legacy,

Saving Our Future

Our Story

Originally conceived to foster non-governmental relations between newly independent Africa and Britain, The Africa Centre's mission is to educate, connect, and advocate for Africa and its diaspora. Previously located in Covent Garden, London for over five decades, we launched our new HQ in Southwark in June 2022.

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Our Spaces

The Africa Centre is a home from home and offers welcoming and exciting spaces from our restaurant and bar to event spaces featuring live music , exhibitions and Africa Centre programme. You can also hire our spaces for your own event, be it a social occasion, team away day or community event.

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Invite to Share Memories

As part of The Africa Centre's 60th anniversary celebrations this year, we are inviting members of the public to share their memories of The Africa Centre from back in the day. The collection will form part of a living archive, which will be one of the key legacies of this milestone year.

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Author: Belvin Tawuya

The Chakula Program

Chakula is a monthly event series at the Africa Centre that supports and connects Black and African LGBTQ+ voices through workshops, dialogues, and cultural programs. Curated by Vee Belinga, the series explores intersectional experiences across London, Africa, and the diaspora. Chakula fosters joy, healing, and community. It is funded by Propel.

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Author: Marketing TAC

Our Impact

60
 Six decades of championing the cause for Africa and its diaspora. We'll be celebrating our 60th anniversary in 2024.
£100K The total amount of funding from our latest successful application to the Wolfson Foundation.
8000 The number of people who attended our last free summer festival in Southwark, London in 2018.

Our events

  • A royal College of Art Africa Society Exhibition - Translation issues

    "Translation Issues" explores the meanings, memories and emotions embedded in African languages, gestures and cultural practices that often resist direct translation. Curated by the Royal College of Art Africa Society in collaboration with The Africa Centre, the exhibition examines how diaspora communities navigate cultural transmission across generations, inviting audiences to reflect on the challenge of communicating the untranslatable and preserving cultural memory. Read more

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    Location: The Africa Centre, 66 Great Suffolk St, London, SE1 0BL

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  • Chakula x Black Queers Connect Present Black Queer Games Night

    Whether you’re competitive, chill, or just here for good vibes and good people, this night is for YOU. Expect community, chaos, connection, music, and pure Black queer joy Read more

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    Location: The Africa Centre, 66 Great Suffolk St, London, SE1 0BL

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  • Wole Soyinka international Cultural Exchange 2026: Advocacy Session

    This session will bring together cultural practitioners, artists, young people, community members and guests for an informal session. Read more

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    Location: The Africa Centre, 66 Great Suffolk St, London, SE1 0BL

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Testimonials

  • "This organisation is incredible!! I'm in love with you, all the years you've been doing so much for the Black community. I feel inspired and I'm sure this opportunity that I got through you will help me to build a new chapter in my life"

    Gabriella Vallim
    Work In Tech Programme candidadte

  • "The Africa Centre feels like a place of purpose, where people can come together to learn about African culture and other cultures. I see it as the place where African stories will be told, a centre for African excellence"

    Julian Nicco-Annan (Juls Baby)
    Music Producer, DJ, Musician

  • "The Africa Centre is a home to all who are Africans and all those who have a care for the interests of the continent and its people".

    Archbishop Desmond Tutu
    Bishop, Theologian, and Human Rights Activist

  • "Collaboration with The Africa Centre has been really wonderful. Empowering young people through creative action, making connections with great inspirational people, building our school community, and taking steps to decolonise the curriculum"

    Emily Segal
    Teacher, Haberdasher Aske's Secondary School

Opinion

  • CEO BLOG #29 JUNE 2026: A LEGACY ACTIVATED

    The Africa Centre wrapped up its 60th-anniversary exhibition after months of extensions and global praise, with content preserved online and archived. Leadership at the Young Africa Centre passed to new co-chairs continuing youth-led programming. Upcoming: a leadership book launch, an RCA exhibition, and a Wole Soyinka cultural programme. The newsletter also reflects on Africa's historic World Cup presence, and debates fan loyalty amid South Africa's anti-immigration tensions. Read more

  • CEO BLOG #28 MAY 2026: THE AFRICA CENTRE IS A CHARITY!

    Featured artist Vadu Rodrigues highlights Africa through photography and social activism via #PositiveAfrica. The newsletter also reflects on The Africa Centre’s financial challenges, calls for stronger community support of Black institutions, celebrates Dr King SMADE’s marathon fundraising efforts, shares key social justice issues, and announces the extension of its 60th anniversary exhibition until June 2026. Read more

  • CEO BLOG #27 APRIL 2026: TAKING OWNERSHIP OF OUR STORIES

    Featured Creative Richard Aina leads I-JŌKŌ, blending African heritage with contemporary, ethical design, and is exhibiting in Milan this April. Alongside this, The Africa Centre highlights the power of African storytelling, urging ownership of narratives while celebrating cultural milestones, community impact, and ongoing initiatives supporting African voices globally. Read more