Two years ago, while attending a private dinner hosted by Dan Doctoroff, New York City Deputy Mayor for Economic Development, to drum up support for the City's bid for the 2012 Olympic games, I found myself seated between Doctoroff and AAI Trustee, Richard Holbrooke...Acknowledging that he had no first-hand knowledge, but shared the widespread impression of an impoverished, embattled and diseased continent, Doctoroff turned to me and posed a question that was also a challenge: "What," he asked, "is the single most important thing the United States should do for Africa?"...I thought for just a moment before answering: "Do no harm." Read more >>
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In January 2007, AAI launched a redesigned website which is now online at www.aaionline.org. The website highlights the achievements of AAI's 23,000+ alumni and provides a platform in which friends, supporters, alumni and colleagues can learn more about AAI programs, events and activities. Read more >>

In 2006, AAI hosted several Africa-focused events in New York City and Washington, D.C., which included an Africa Thursday Congressional Seminar "Diamonds, Conflict and Development in Africa, a reception for Charlayne Hunter-Gault's new book New News Out of Africa, a screening and panel discussion of the documentary Africa: Open for Business at Columbia University, and AAI's 22nd Annual Awards Gala with Guest of Honor President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa. Read more >>

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AAI, in partnership with The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation (TCCAF), Emory University's Goizueta Business School, The Aresty Institute of Executive Education at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and the United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya have launched a major, multi-year initiative, The Transformational Leadership & Management Skills Development Program (TLMSDP). Read more >>
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Professor Phumla Mtala began her career as nurse in her native South Africa. After eight years, she decided to switch career paths and become an educator. Under AAI's Advanced Training for Leadership and Skills (ATLAS) program, Professor Mtala was awarded a scholarship to attend Eastern Michigan University, where she graduated with a master's in economics cum laude in 1997. At AAI's 22nd Annual Awards Gala in September 2006, AAI recognized the career and character of Professor Mtala, presenting her with AAI's Distinguished Alumna Award for her role in spearheading institutional transformation in South Africa. In January 2006, AAI interviewed Professor Mtala...Read more >>