Introducing TPADI – The Pan-African Dialogue Institute
Who We Are
The Pan-African Dialogue Institute (TPADI) is an international think tank made up of African academics, professionals, students, civil society actors, and grassroots leaders across the continent and the diaspora. United by a shared commitment to the study, practice, and propagation of Pan-Africanism, TPADI operates from its base at the University of Uyo, Nigeria, with active members spanning more than half of Africa’s countries.
TPADI focuses its interventions in three core areas:
Education in Pan-Africanism (Learn about Africa to build Africa).
Policy Engagements (Formulation, analysis, advice, and advocacy).
Project Implementation (Community empowerment interventions to enhance dignity).
Our Dialogue Approach
Our dialogue approach to Pan-Africanism is apolitical, non-confrontational, non-revolutionary and nonviolent. Rather, our approach is, broad-based, inclusive and knowledge-driven. This dialogue model encourages a more participatory form of Pan-Africanism that welcomes contributions from all stakeholders, including intellectuals, civil society professionals, grassroots organizations, students and everyday Africans. This inclusivity is essential for cultivating a Pan-African identity that resonates with a broader segment of African society and strengthens the bonds of solidarity across the continent. “As dialogue fosters ‘exchange’, ‘learning’, and ‘relationship’, it is practiced within the contexts of community and relationships. Therefore, being a community-building, conflict resolution and peacebuilding tool, a dialogue-based approach to Pan-Africanism shifts the focus from what divides people to what connects them.”
By Pan-Africanism, the institute emphasizes the principles of unity, self-determination, dignity, social justice and cultural pride. Pan-Africanism represents the belief that all people from across the African continent are connected by a common heritage and destiny. It is about standing together as one people, united in the struggles for liberty, justice, and equality to reclaim our human dignity and cultural alienation. But this movement is not just about political ideals—it is also about art and culture, business, music, dance, healing rituals, nature and everything. This is why we are a multi-sectoral dialogue community, working with the African Union Vision and the 2063 roadmap towards the actualization of a vibrant, peaceful and prosperous Africa.
In our engagements, care is taken to ensure that every knowledge generated through regular exchange and learning activities are aimed at building the African community, strengthening the bond of unity, and prioritizing people over things. Members of the Institute value relationship with one another in the best interest and expression of Pan-African solidarity.
Our Commissions
We manifest our vision through the vessel of 10 fully functioning work groups which we call COMMISSIONS. These are:
General Education & Pan-African Literacy
African Politics, Governance & International Relations
Law & Human Rights in Africa
African Peace & Reconciliation
African Women & Gender
African Youth Capacity
Religion & Philosophy in Africa
African Society – Business, Arts and Culture
Communication, Media and ICT
Sustainable Development, Science, Technology and Innovation.