AfriCatalyst Announces the Upcoming Launch of the AfriCatalyst Institute For Sustainable Development

AfriCatalyst, a development advisory firm dedicated to amplifying African voices in global economic governance, today announced the upcoming launch of the AfriCatalyst Institute for Sustainable Development in Fall 2026. The new Pan‑African Centre of Excellence, supported by QCF, will strengthen the continent’s institutional capacity in sustainable development, climate governance and economic transformation. 

As African countries advance the implementation of Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), many continue to face institutional and capacity constraints that hinder effective implementation of projects. The Institute will help address these gaps by providing an independent, interdisciplinary, and African-led platform. Through a combination of executive training, applied research, and peer learning, the Institute will place sustainability at the centre of its work, equipping policymakers and leaders with practical tools to drive effective, results-oriented policy implementation.

Under the leadership of Samba Mbaye, a Senegalese economist with nearly 15 years of experience spanning public finance reform, macroeconomic management, debt restructuring, and private sector development across emerging and fragile African economies, the AfriCatalyst Institute will deliver integrated capacity development programmes grounded in sustainability, climate governance, and green finance. 

Over its first five years, the Institute will establish its facilities and digital platform in Dakar, train more than 1,000 public and private sector leaders, build research partnerships focused on sustainability and governance, and develop a peer learning network connecting reform leaders across the continent. The rollout will follow a phased and disciplined approach, beginning with institutional setup and governance systems, piloting programs in the early years, and gradually transitioning into a fully operational and financially sustainable Center of Excellence.

Speaking on the launch, Samba Mbaye noted: “Africa does not lack vision. What we must strengthen is execution. The AfriCatalyst Institute for Sustainable Development is designed to equip leaders with the practical tools, networks, and policy depth required to translate ambition into measurable outcomes. This is about building institutions that deliver.”

Lauding the partnership and the efforts behind the Institute, AfriCatalyst President and CEO Daouda Sembene said: “This announcement reflects AfriCatalyst’s commitment to strengthening African ownership of the development and climate agenda. The AfriCatalyst Institute for Sustainable Development is not intended to duplicate existing institutions, but to complement them, filling a critical gap at the intersection of governance, sustainability, and policy execution.”

He further emphasized that the AfriCatalyst Institute is focused on turning ambition into practical results. “By equipping leaders with the tools, networks, and evidence required to design and deliver meaningful reform, the Institute seeks to help shape a more resilient and inclusive Africa,” he added.

About the AfriCatalyst Institute for Sustainable Development

The Institute is a Pan-African Center of Excellence for Capacity Development and Research in Sustainable Development. Its vision is to empower Africa’s next generation of public policy and climate leaders through world-class training, applied research, and peer learning, all driven by African priorities, perspectives, and partnerships.

About QCF 

Quadrature Climate Foundation (QCF) is an independent charitable foundation established in 2019 by the founders of Quadrature Capital. QCF funds work across climate, poverty, inequality and human security, supporting work that secures communities today to transform a greener and fairer tomorrow.