The Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Olu Alake as The Africa Centre‘s new CEO. Olu will step into his role in London from 17th July on a permanent contract.

Olu brings significant third-sector experience to The Africa Centre, having previously served as CEO at The Peel Institute. He has previously held senior management positions in various Beyond-Profit organisations, including London Marathon Foundation, Buttle UK, Equality & Human Rights Commission and Arts Council England. His responsibilities in these roles have included business transformation, grants management, strategic leadership, and organisational development. Olu is also a Trustee of The Reader Organisation and has just completed an assignment with the International Federation of Arts Councils & Cultural Agencies (IFACCA) where he was Chair of their International Programme Advisory Committee for their 9th Global summit.

“It is an honour and privilege to be appointed to helm this iconic organisation. I am especially excited to be a part of the new iteration of the organisation, in our brand-new building, as we enter our 60th anniversary and as we embed a new strategic approach where The Africa Centre will play a critical role in the recognition, celebration and investment in Africa’s infinitely rich cultures. We will be working with renewed vigour to realise the ambition of being the cultural embassy for Africa and her Diaspora, where all will find kinship and inspiration. The message is simple and clear – we are open for business, and we will be bigger, better, and greater than ever!” – Olu Alake.

The Africa Centre was established in 1964 and has been a home from home for several cultural icons from Africa and the Caribbean over the years. Olu is committed to building on this success and taking The Africa Centre to even greater heights.

“Following an extensive and highly competitive recruitment process, the Board and Staff of the Africa Centre are delighted to welcome Olu Alake as our new CEO effective from the 17th of July 2023. Olu brings with him a deep knowledge and passion for Africa and its diaspora, together with a wealth of experience working at the intersection of culture, social justice, and human rights. One year on from opening our new HQ in culturally rich Southwark, Olu will be at the helm of the charity at a particularly exciting time as we look to the future through increased community outreach, stronger local and global partnerships and, in 2024, a celebration of 60 years of educating, connecting, and advocating for Africa and its diaspora”. said Oba Nsugbe, Chair of The Africa Centre’s Board of Directors.

The Africa Centre is dedicated to promoting African culture and heritage through a variety of programmes and initiatives under its strategic pillars of Culture, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Education,Intellectual Leadership, and Community. With the appointment of Olu Alake, the organisation is poised for even greater success in the years to come.