Friends of Africa is a registered UK charity no. 1079522, founded in 2000 and based in SW London.  Our aim is to help young Africans develop sustainable livelihoods through community enterprises and projects that provide skills training and encourage entrepreneurship and leadership. 

We are currently operating through local partnerships in The Gambia, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.  Our full-time staff member is provided with administrative support through our Chairman’s business organisation and volunteer assistance.

governance and transparency

Encouraging the development of social, political and business leaders in Kenya.  Through an outdoor Leadership Training Centre, young Kenyans will learn leadership skills with a sound ethical basis, producing a concern for transparency and good governance, the ability to recognize potential conflict and the confidence to resolve it

climate for business

By helping young people into sustainable employment and encouraging skills training, motivation and entrepreneurial development, all our projects are designed to create a better climate for business and direct investment.  Building fishing boats in Sierra Leone has encouraged commercial interest in reviving the fishing industry

trade

We plan to develop a trading arm in organic health and horticultural products grown or manufactured through our community projects – initially through a project in Tanzania which involves growing neem trees. 

enterprise and employment

Encouraging enterprise, both at individual and organisational level, is central to what we do.  As our community projects become self-sustaining they provide more local employment. 

human development

Again, central to our work.  We provide opportunities for young Africans to develop their innate skills and abilities for the benefit of themselves, their families and communities and their nations.

perceptions of africa

Africa is a continent of huge potential and opportunity.  Without ignoring serious humanitarian needs, we believe that continual focus on the problems has produced the impression of ongoing dependence on overseas aid, whereas the aim of such aid should be to eliminate as far as possible the need for its own existence.