Educating, Connecting, and Advocating for Africa and its Diaspora since 1964

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

Whether you're looking to hire a venue for a one-off private event, regular community activities, or somewhere fully equipped to get some work done, The Africa Centre offers several affordable options.

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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

Support Our Children & Young People's Education Fundraiser

The late great Nelson Mandela said, "Education is the most powerful weapon with which you can change the world". We are raising funds to develop an Education programme for children and young people. Many thanks to DJ MDKay who ran the 2024 London Marathon to help us kickstart our campaign.

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Author: Belvin Tawuya

Location: 66 Graet Suffolk St,, London

Target amount: £10,000.00

Amount raised: £567.94

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

  • Celebrating Wole Soyinka @ 90 Happy Hour

    Join us for Kongi’s Happy Hour at The Africa Centre: - Friday, July 19, 2024, at 19:00: Enjoy music by Ed Keozor and the Lagos Afrofunk Collective, with cocktails and food available. - Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 19:00: Juwon Ogunbe performs live, with food from the restaurant. - Sunday, July 21, 2024, at 19:00: Bumi Thomas presents her multidisciplinary artistry. - Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at 17:00: Join Makin Soyinka for a wine tasting event. Read more

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

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  • Young Africa Centre - Writers Circle Festival in collaboration with Diaspora Reflections.

    Join us for the Writers' Circle event! Connect with writers of all levels, hone your skills, share work, and receive feedback in a supportive community. Led by acclaimed author Sarah Ladipo Manyika, this prose-focused workshop on August 20 offers creative growth, inspiration, and expert guidance. Don't miss this enriching opportunity! Read more

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

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  • The Young Africa centre in Coolaboration with Cave Open Mic - Roots

    The Young Africa Centre and Cave Open Mic are hosting an Open Mic Night next week, featuring poets, singers, comedians, and more. The theme is "Roots," inviting reflections on origins and freedom. British-Sierra Leonean rapper Alim Kamara will headline. All are welcome to perform or enjoy the show. 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

  • STEADY AS SHE GOES – ONE YEAR IN!

    This is my 12th blog as the 5th Director/CEO of The Africa Centre, marking my first anniversary. The past year has been exciting, maddening, and full of highs and lows. I've learned the importance of heritage, dreams, partners, resilience, and identity. We’re celebrating Wole Soyinka's 90th birthday with a cultural extravaganza. Thanks to everyone for their support. Highlights include the PALOP Day event and partnerships with 14 African organizations. Read more

  • CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT

    Cultural institutions like The Africa Centre are vital, yet sustaining them is challenging, especially with reliance on one main funder vulnerable to governmental changes. In the past year, The Africa Centre has hosted diplomats, promoted African culture, and facilitated intercultural exchanges, but faces economic and technological barriers. Inspired by Marcus Garvey and W.E.B. DuBois, they advocate for community self-sustaining models. To ensure lasting impact, they've created a Community Forum Read more

  • Africa on a Plate – The Emerging Role of Gastronomy in Reshaping the African Narrative

    At a policy event, a dinner transformed contentious debates into a successful agreement, highlighting food's role as soft power. Soft power, a concept by diplomat Jonathan Nye, relies on cultural influence rather than military might. Nations use cultural elements like food to shape global perceptions, a practice called gastro-diplomacy. Examples include Thailand promoting Thai restaurants and France's emphasis on haute cuisine, both enhancing their international image and influence. Read more