Columbia University Africa Alumni Community
— united by education, driven by Africa’s potential —
Our Story
Columbia University Africa Alumni Community (CU-AAC) began with one person who saw the need for a platform where African alumni can come together to discuss the pressing issues facing their countries, the continent, and the world. That idea grew into a supportive global family that connects alumni with ties to or an interest in Africa, fosters the exchange of transformative insights, and nurtures a network dedicated to elevating one another, the continent, and beyond.
We believe progress begins with critical dialogue, but it cannot end there. Our community is committed to moving beyond blame and complaint toward constructive conversation, collaboration, and action. We bring together people willing to ask difficult and controversial questions, share diverse perspectives, and work collectively toward solutions.
Columbia’s alumni network represents a tremendous, largely untapped resource for addressing Africa’s challenges. By connecting professionals across business, startups, government, nonprofits, academia, public-private partnerships, and other sectors, we create a space for interdisciplinary exchange, partnership, and solution-building across disciplines, geographies, and experiences.
Our goal is to elevate one another, contribute meaningfully to Africa’s development, and build a stronger, more connected global community of Columbia alumni committed to making a positive difference.
Our Mission
Foster Meaningful Dialogue
Create space to discuss critical issues shaping Africa’s future, including governance, leadership, geopolitics, economic development, NGOs, climate change, healthcare, digital transformation, and emerging challenges and opportunities.
Generate Solutions
Move beyond discussion to action by developing practical, implementable solutions that leverage our collective expertise and networks.
Build Connections
Strengthen connections among Columbia alumni across Africa, the broader diaspora, and those doing business on or interested in the continent to foster collaboration, opportunity, and mutual support.
Empower Future Leaders
Through mentorship, coaching, and knowledge sharing, prepare the next generation of true African leaders to tackle the dynamic challenges facing the continent with confidence and competence.
What We Do
Our activities center around creating platforms for engagement and action:
- Group Chat: A space for alumni to share perspectives on issues, ask questions, propose solutions, and engage in constructive dialogue.
- Programs: Using our experiences to develop impactful initiatives that address and develop the human capital needs of the continent.
- Discussion Forums: Regular virtual and in-person gatherings to present and discuss specific topics affecting the continent and members’ needs.
- Resource Sharing: Creating a repository of knowledge, contacts, and opportunities for our community to share or solicit help.
Our Values
Truthfulness
We believe that objective truth, however uncomfortable, is essential to any meaningful transformation.
Mindset
We believe that the way you think affects everything you do, and individual intelligence means little if it is not directed toward a common good.
Teamwork
We believe a team effort that brings together each person’s strengths is the optimal path to development and to anything worthwhile.
Contribution
We believe in giving back to the places we come from and that need us most, and acting without complaining, no matter how small the contribution to a solution may be.
Leadership
We believe in doing what needs to be done without waiting or expecting someone else to do it, and in setting the example we want to see.
Our Leadership
Advisory Board
Overseeing and providing strategic guidance and support.
- Kafui Kutsinyah, SPS'17 (Chair)
- Klubosumo Borh, SSW'15 (Advr)
- Michael Willis, SPS'21 (Advr)
- Katherine Perry, PH'03 (Advr)
Join Our Community
Whether you are a Columbia alumnus from Africa, part of the diaspora, who have worked or are working in Africa, with an interest or passion for the continent, or an about-to-graduate student interested in Africa, we welcome you to join our community.
We bring together alumni from Africa or those who have connections to or interest in Africa to share relevant information, support members, build a network, and positively impact Africa.
Together, we can harness the power of our collective experience and expertise to build a brighter future for the continent and beyond.