In November 2001, The Ford Foundation capped its nearly 50 year-presence in Africa with a new programme, the Special Initiative for Africa. In the two and half years since then, the initiative has conducted four Africa-wide consultations with 200 scholars, activists, artists, NGO leaders and public officials. It has also developed a growing portfolio of pilot projects to advance peace processes, regional integration, and inclusive policies on citizenship and identity in Africa.

The initiative now has a new name – Trust Africa. It will be permanently relocated to Africa in December 2005, when it will start a new life as an independent and self-sustaining African foundation that supports creative ideas and intra-African partnerships for addressing critical African problems. Ultimately, the unique role of Trust Africa will be to help align philanthropic resources more closely with distinctly African initiatives that advance a freer, safer and more integrated Africa.

For more information contact Akwasi Aidoo at a.aidoo@fordfound.org

The September issue of Alliance will include a longer article on Trust Africa.