The Organisation

The Organization – Africa Institute

Who We Are

The Africa Institute for the Environmentally Sound Management of Hazardous and Other Wastes (Africa Institute) is a specialized intergovernmental organization (IGO) based in Pretoria, South Africa. Established in October 2009, we serve as both a Basel Convention Regional Centre (BCRC) and a Stockholm Convention Regional Centre (SCRC) for English-speaking African countries and Portuguese speaking African countries Angola and Mozambique

Our mandate is to assist African Parties in developing countries and countries with economies in transition to fulfill their obligations under the Basel, Stockholm, Rotterdam, Bamako and Minamata Conventions. We function as a critical regional mechanism for protecting human health and the environment from the adverse impacts of hazardous chemicals and wastes.

We serve all English-speaking African countries (including Angola and Mozambique). Currently, nine countries have ratified the agreement establishing the Institute: Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia.

Our Vision & Mission

Vision

To become a leading executing agency and regional centre in delivering programs for sound management of chemicals and wastes in order to protect human health and the environment from their adverse impacts.

Mission

The Africa Institute is committed to achieving its vision through capacity building for the implementation of multi-lateral environmental agreements on the sound management of hazardous chemicals and waste within the English speaking African region, development of robust projects development and implementation frameworks, strengthening collaboration with all strategic partners and stakeholders and promoting cooperation among member states.

Our Core Values

We are guided by the following principles in all our operations:

Integrity Upholding honesty, fairness, reliability, and accountability to foster trust among stakeholders.

Innovation Embracing the best available scientific knowledge and innovative practices for sustainable chemicals and waste management.

Respect for Diversity Fostering an inclusive environment that values all individuals regardless of their background.

Teamwork Promoting collaboration and unity across teams, member states, and strategic partners.

Professionalism Maintaining high standards of ethical conduct, competence, and responsiveness.

Transparency Ensuring openness and equitable sharing of information and financial accountability.

Accountability Taking responsibility for our actions and ensuring institutional performance meets stakeholder expectations.

Environmental Stewardship Championing sustainable practices and responsible resource use aligned with multilateral environmental agreements.

Strategic Focus (2025-2028)

Our Strategic Plan for 2025–2028 is structured around five key focus areas designed to address regional challenges:

1. Institutional Capacity Strengthening

Enhancing staff competencies, technical knowledge, and internal systems.

2. Effective Project Management

Strengthening the ability to plan, deliver, and monitor impactful regional projects.

3. Resource Mobilization

Ensuring long-term financial resilience and sustainability.

4. Partnerships and Visibility

Expanding collaboration with partners and stakeholders.

5. Awareness Raising

Enhancing awareness of the Institute’s role and the dangers of hazardous chemicals and wastes.

Regional Impact & Projects

We implement impactful country and regional projects to build capacity for the sound management of chemicals and wastes. Key initiatives include:

SADC PCBs Elimination Project: Disposal of PCB oils and capacitors in 12 Southern African countries.
SA PCB Project: Environmentally Sound Management and Disposal of PCBs in South Africa.
National Implementation Plans (NIPs): Assisting Parties to the Stockholm Convention (e.g., Uganda, Kenya, Zambia) to update their NIPs.
African ChemObs: Integrated Health and Environment Observatories in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Minamata Convention Support: Executing Mercury Initial Assessments and National Action Plans for Artisanal and Small Scale Gold Mining (NAP-ASGM).

Governance

The Africa Institute is governed by a Council composed of representatives from member states, which serves as the supreme governing body. The Council provides oversight and strategic direction through its Executive Committee, supported by a Secretariat led by the Executive Director.

                    Governing Council: The supreme body that governs the Africa Institute.
Executive Committee: Charged with oversight of day-to-day activities; made
                            up of 5 countries including the chair and the host.
Secretariat: Run by the Executive Director, responsible for the
                            implementation of the Institute’s mandate.

                

Our operations are guided by robust policies and “rules and procedures” ensuring transparency, accountability, and effective financial and operational management.

Addressing Regional Challenges

We are dedicated to tackling significant regional challenges, including:

Resource Constraints

Addressing the lack of financial/technical capacity and waste management infrastructure.

Regulatory Frameworks

Supporting the development and enforcement of legal frameworks for chemicals and waste.

Public Awareness

Educating communities about the dangers of hazardous chemicals.

Data Gaps

Improving data on chemical imports, use, and waste generation for evidence-based policy.