Columbia University Africa Alumni (CU-AA)
—united by education, driven by Africa's potential—
Our Story
Columbia University Africa Alumni (CU-AA) was formed by a group of passionate Columbia graduates who recognized the need for a platform where African alumni could come together to discuss the pressing issues facing our continent. What started as informal conversations among friends has grown into a vibrant community of alumni from different African countries across the continent.
We believe that Columbia's diverse African alumni network represents an untapped resource for addressing Africa's challenges. By bringing together professionals from various fields — startups, corporate, policy, non-profit, governments, public private partnerships, and more — we create a unique space for interdisciplinary dialogue and solution-building.
CU-AA began as a series of informal conversations among friends. We recognized a vital need: a dedicated platform for Columbia graduates to address the pressing challenges and opportunities facing the African continent.
What started as a small circle has grown into a global community of leaders, thinkers, and change-makers united by a shared vision for Africa's potential.
Our Mission
Foster Meaningful Dialogue
Create spaces for alumni to discuss critical issues affecting the continent and various African countries, from governance, leadership, geopolitics, economic development, NGOs, climate change, healthcare, digital transformation, and more.
Generate Solutions
Move beyond discussion to action by developing practical, implementable solutions that leverage our collective expertise and networks.
Build Connections
Strengthen ties between Columbia alumni across Africa and with the broader diaspora, and people doing business on the continent to create opportunities for collaboration and mutual support.
Empower Future Leaders
Through mentorship, coaching, and knowledge sharing, prepare the next generation of true African leaders to tackle the 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, propose solutions, and engage in constructive dialogue
- Programs: Using our experiences to develop impactful initiatives that develop the human capital needs of the continent
- Discussion Forums:Regular virtual and in-person gatherings to 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
We offer Group Chat, Programs, Discussion Forums, and Resource Sharing to connect alumni and drive impact.
Our Values
Leadership
We lead by example through actions and holding ourselves accountable.
Collaboration
We believe in the power of collective intelligence and cross-border cooperation.
Innovation
We embrace creative solutions and new approaches to age-old challenges.
Impact
We focus on creating tangible, measurable change across the continent.
Dedication
We are committed to bringing about the needed changes across the continent.
Our Leadership
Advisory Board
Overseeing and providing strategic guidance and support.
- Kafui Kutsinyah, SPS'17 (Chair)
- Klubosumo Borh, SW'15 (Advr)
- Michael Wills, SPS'21 (Advr)
- Katherine Perry, PH'03 (Advr)
Join Our Community
Whether you're a Columbia alumnus from Africa, part of the diaspora, working in Africa, with a 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 who have connections to Africa to share relevant information, help 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 Africa.