Community Building
AAI IMPACT PILLARS
AAI’s community movement is working to ensure a brighter future and more equitable world for all. Our network includes Heads of State and ministerial officials who benefited from AAI’s scholarship programs, educators, fellows, and supporters around the globe. AAI also leads on transcontinental partnerships with organizations like the African Prosperity Network, African Diplomatic Corp, and school districts across Southeast Michigan, facilitating community and opportunity throughout Africa and its global diaspora.
We are fostering a community of leaders and partners who are catalyzing a more equitable and sustainable world, locally, and globally.
ANNUAL AWARDS GALA
Celebrating the Achievements of Africans & the Global African Diaspora
Established in 1984 as a way for AAI to contribute to building new narratives about Africa, the AAI Annual Awards Gala is the preeminent NYC based celebration of the achievements of Africans and the global African diaspora. Drawing more than 500 distinguished guests, the AAI Gala convenes dignitaries— Heads of State, diplomats, domestic and international government officials— philanthropists, business leaders, journalists, scholars, and other prominent figures for a night highlighting African success and enlightened engagement between Africa and America.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2025
41st Annual Awards Gala - “Honoring Investments in Better Futures and Visionary Minds”
NEW YORK CITY
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2024
40th Awards Gala - “Bridging Cultures & Igniting Futures: An Evening Honoring African and Diasporan Visionaries in Arts and Culture”
NEW YORK CITY
Learn about our previous Awards Galas & Honorees
AFRICAN DIPLOMATIC ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM
This unique program convenes both new and experienced African Ambassadors where they can learn from each other and sectoral experts on how best to maximize their impact as international representatives in the United States. Launched in 2019, the Diplomatic Program has been held in Washington D.C., Houston and virtually. Starting in 2026, AAI will be hosting an African Diplomatic Engagement Program every 6 months.
OCTOBER 6, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C.
African Diplomatic Engagement Program
MAY 21, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. 2
AAI’s and Center for American Progress’s Diplomatic Orientation & Engagement Program
JUNE 14-15, 2021
Virtual African Diplomatic Orientation & Engagement Program
In partnership with the Energy Workforce & Technology Council, AAI’s 2021 African Diplomatic Orientation & Engagement program convened virtually. During the program members of the African Diplomatic Corps were joined by international leaders from the energy sector and engaged in workshops ranging from “Value Chain Overview” to “Energy Services & Technology” to “U.S. International Energy Engagement & Regional Partnerships.”
OCTOBER 28-29, 2019
HOUSTON, TEXAS
Energy Focused African Diplomatic Orientation & Engagement Program
AAI, in partnership with the Petroleum Equipment & Services Administration (PESA), convened Members of the African Diplomatic Corps from oil-producing countries. Members of the African Diplomatic Corps participated in workshops on topics ranging from “Life Cycles of an Exploration Project: From First Hunch to Discovery” to “Liquified Natural Gas” to “Rig Systems and Drilling Support.”
APRIL 5-6, 2019
QUEENSTOWN, MARYLAND
Inaugural Diplomatic Orientation & Engagement Program
ALUMNI OUTREACH INITIATIVE
Connecting AAI’s Global Alumni Through Network and Impact
Championing a more sustainable and equitable world, these alumni include the late Dr. Wangari Maathai; H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa; H.E. Alassane Ouattara, President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire; Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Former United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women; Strive Masiyiwa, Founder & Executive Chairman, Econet Wireless and thousands more.
Originally conceived as convenings and events hosted across the African Continent, the initiative now includes an Alumni Video Project interviewing some of AAI’s most distinguished alumni. The Video Project seeks to document and weave compelling narratives of how AAI scholarships have propelled the career trajectories of many African leaders.
Alumni Interview Series
Watch AAI’s original video series interviewing our amazing alumni in Africa as they share their life’s journey and what has AAI meant to them.
Newsletter Alumni Showcase
Our digital newsletter’s dedicated alumni section features original AAI Alumni Interviews, coverage of alumni gatherings in Africa, and spotlights on a recent alumni news.
Tell Us Your Story
If you are an AAI Alum, we want to hear from you! Fill out the form below or reach out to us at alumni@aaiafrica.org
CONVERSATIONS ON AFRICA
Conversations on Africa offers Administration officials, Members of Congress, the African Diplomatic Corps, and other African stakeholders a forum to discuss timely topics pertaining to Africa. Held at the US Capitol, the convenings elicit African insights and opinions on issues and make these available to key segments of the American public, particularly to leaders in the private and public sectors.
