ABOUT US
The Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) is an Africa-wide think tank which provides an inclusive platform for dialogue, information dissemination and networking.
Our programmes are underpinned by rigorous research into all aspects of African Heritage, in order to shape policy and practice on critical issues of governance, integrated economic development and the evolution of African institutions.
Through our programmes we seek to address the short, medium, and long-term developmental challenges facing Africa in a holistic and comprehensive manner.
OUR VISION
The MINDS’ vision, is to have African societies attain democracy, economic prosperity, social inclusiveness as well as their rightful place in the global community on a basis of a keen self-awareness.
OUR MISSION
Informed by our vision, our mission is to provide a forum for dialogue, information dissemination and networking, underpinned by rigorous research on the different elements of African Heritage.
OUR VALUES
Our values of Openness; Inclusiveness; Collaboration; Dialogue and Rigor are fundamental to the way in which we engage and operate as a continental institution.

The future is our youth and young people need to understand that the responsibility of creating the future that works for them is theirs.
Dr Nkosana Moyo
MINDS Founder
ANNOUNCEMENTS
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY – EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
The Executive Assistant/Personal Assistant will report to the Founder / CEO of MINDS which is based in South Africa. The position covers a variety of duties within the organisation including, Partnerships management, the governance of the organisation, communication, programmatic work, administration and staff liaison. MORE
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS OPEN
The 2020 Applications for the MINDS Scholarship Programme are now open. We are looking for individuals with a Pan-African outlook, demonstrated leadership ability and an excellent academic record who wish to study on the African continent, outside their home country. If you are interested LEARN MORE about our programme opportunities.
OUR PROGRAMMES
AFRICAN HERITAGE PROGRAMME
The African Heritage Programme encompass all learning about African people and their heritage, with the aim of increasing attention and reflection on the imperative of situating ‘Africanness’ at the centre of sustainable social, economic and political development in Africa.
YOUTH PROGRAMME
According to a 2014 report, 60% of the one billion people in Africa are youth under the age of 35 years, with 35 % between the ages of 15 and 35 years old. Clearly Africa’s youth constitutes an important group whose demographic superiority, if harnessed, could determine…
ECONOMIC AND REGIONAL INTEGRATION PROGRAMME
For Africa to attain the levels of economic growth and development needed to uplift its populations, at a minimum two critical actions are required. Firstly, the need for greater integrated partnerships within countries between the private, public and civil sectors.
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME
MINDS’ offers scholarships to Africans who wish to pursue post-graduate studies within Africa, outside of their own countries. Through tailored leadership development activities, the MINDS Scholarship Programme aims to nurture leaders.
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OPINION EDITORIAL
HOW TO BUILD AND GROOM AFRICA’S NEW SET OF LEADERS
Rotimi Olawale
July 2018
By the time the Arab Spring that started in December 2010 was anti-climaxing, five sit-tight African Heads of State had been forced out of office. In Tunisia, where the Arab Spring began, citizens had had enough of the President Zine Ben Ali led regime. Ben Ali had been in power since 1987. By 2011 when he was ousted…
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