Overview
The Sahara Institute is an African-led, Pan-African, Non-Profit and Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) established to strengthen and promote strategic leadership, evidence-based policy, and strengthened capacity towards the socio-economic development of African countries. The Institute is registered in Ghana, with a continental mandate to work across the African continent. It serves Africa's sustainable development ecosystem through demand-driven programmes implemented through well-established project management, human resources and financial management systems to produce strong institutions and communities that support sustainable, locally driven initiatives that improve the well-being of people on the African continent.
Our Mission
Our mission is to drive sustainable development and inclusive growth across Africa by fostering collaboration, empowering institutions and communities, and promoting innovative solutions and responsible adoption of emerging technologies, respecting the continent's diversity and environment.
Our Vision
A prosperous, educated, connected, and united Africa where emerging technologies, sustainable development, and inclusive growth empower all communities to thrive, fostering a future of equity, resilience, and shared opportunities.
Our Mandate
01
Support countries in addressing the continent's most prioritized development needs
02
Provide knowledge-based technical advisory services
03
Work with institutions in boosting African trade and regional integration
04
Provide demand-driven human capital development
05
Support scientific innovation and harnessing of emerging technologies
06
Mobilise full range of resources for programmes
Objectives
The objectives of the Institute are as follows:
- Enhance strategic leadership skills
- Support evidence based policy formulation and implementation
- Strengthen capacities for results-oriented programme implementation
- Support creation of an enabling environment for responsible harnessing of science, innovation, and emerging technologies
- Stregnthen the capacity of early career researchers
- Promote research and development (R&D) financing
- Enhance translation of research results into policy and program interventions
Values
- Integrity - Deliver on agreed programme commitments
- Excellence - Aim for the highest standards and from quality development outputs to best practices
- Transparency - Embodies respect as a fundamental principle and commits to uphold open communication and engagement
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and belonging - Committed to mainstreaming diversity, equity, and inclusion and cascading this to all the individuals and institutions that take part in the Institute's programmes
- Accountability - Holds individuals and the collective responsible for delivery of services towards clearly defined goals
The Institute's Philosophy
The Institute serves Africa's sustainable development ecosystem through the design, implementation, management and oversight of development projects and programmes. One principle that underlies the Institute's philosophy is that the responsibility for socio-economic development rests with all stakeholders, including governments and the private sector of African countries. As a Pan-African organization committed to driving positive change across Africa's sustainable development ecosystem, the Institute has drawn lessons from its external environment to influence how to organize internally.
The Institute places emphasis on African-led priorities and solutions, development of a holistic conducive environment for results-oriented programme implementation, broad multi-stakeholder engagement, equitable partnerships and collaborations, and the promotion of actionable excellence in policy, knowledge, and practice arenas. The Institute, therefore, fosters a process that empowers the development process towards a more responsive community, national, regional and continental ownership.
The Institute is dedicated to integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into all its programmes, projects, operations, and interactions with stakeholders. The Institute is committed to ensuring that its impact is experienced across the continent, spanning all five regions and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and the Diaspora, as defined by the African Union.
