About AAI

Partnerships

Strategic Alliances for Transformative Impact

At the Africa–Asia Institute (AAI), partnerships are not transactional—they are transformational. AAI was created to be a bridge, a convener, and a co-creator. Whether you’re a university, government, international agency, business, foundation, or individual expert, we invite you to partner with us in shaping the future of Africa–Asia cooperation.

How Partnerships Work

Flexible, Strategic, and Results-Oriented

AAI offers a range of partnership tracks to align with your mission and strengths:

Institutional Partnerships – with universities, ministries, and research centers
Programmatic Collaborations – for co-implementing flagship initiatives
Strategic Alliances – with foundations, development agencies, and corporations
Affiliate Networks – for individuals and non-formal contributors

Each partnership begins with an exploratory conversation to identify shared goals, define roles, and design impactful engagement.

Step-by-Step Partnership Process

Initial Dialogue

An introductory consultation to explore mutual priorities and thematic alignment.

Concept Note or Proposal

Joint preparation of a brief outlining scope, objectives, resource commitments, and timelines.

Formalization through MoU

An MoU (Memorandum of Understanding), Letter of Intent, or Strategic Agreement is signed, detailing roles, financial contributions, implementation arrangements, and governance.

Implementation and Coordination

AAI assigns a coordination team to support delivery, monitor progress, and facilitate cross-continental collaboration.

Impact, Learning, and Visibility

Co-produced reports, evaluations, and shared platforms ensure transparency, joint learning, and global visibility.

The Partners’ Fund

Resourcing Shared Ambition

To support these collaborations, AAI manages a dedicated Partners’ Fund—a pooled financial mechanism designed to fuel programs, research, and institutional exchanges.

Purpose of the Fund:
Fund flagship programs across education, peace, sustainability, and innovation
Launch fellowships, innovation labs, and digital knowledge platforms
Support events, policy dialogues, and pilot projects
Co-finance South–South research, publications, and academic mobility

Sources of Funding:
Grants from governments, foundations, and development agencies
Co-investments from academic and city institutions
Corporate sponsorships and sector-specific support
Individual donations and endowments
In-kind contributions (staff, expertise, infrastructure)

MoU and Governance Structure

Every partnership involving financial or technical engagement is formalized through an MoU, ensuring clarity, accountability, and alignment. AAI’s Finance and Partnerships Unit, under the oversight of the Board’s Finance Committee, manages the Fund and reports regularly to all contributors.

Reporting Includes:

Organize Regional and Thematic Conferences

The Institute hosts Africa–Asia Summits, policy labs, and sector-specific workshops in collaboration with partner institutions. These events include:

Events are rotated across cities like Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Jakarta, Delhi, Seoul, and Kuala Lumpur to foster shared ownership.

What Partners Gain

Value	Description
Visibility	Co-branding in global forums, events, and publications
Networks	Access to leaders, innovators, and institutions across Africa and Asia
Policy Influence	Shape regional and global agendas through joint programming
Knowledge Exchange	Participate in cutting-edge research, education innovation, and pilot testing
Accountability and Transparency	Receive regular impact reports and engage in joint monitoring

Let’s Build Together

Attend an upcoming event: View our calendar online
Host with us: Submit a proposal to co-organize an event
Speak at AAI: Join our roster of invited speakers and guest lecturers
Follow the news: Subscribe to our biweekly updates and analysis

AAI: Where Collaboration Becomes a Continental Force.