Frequently Asked Questions

Think Africa uplifts the African diaspora in Finland by promoting their well-being and sense of belonging, advocating for their meaningful representation and participation and supporting their economic empowerment by leading as a trusted and sustainable organization that acts with integrity and transparency.

Think Africa defines “the African diaspora” as people of African descent, both second generation and first, who still have an affinity for their roots in the continent or recognise that part of them in their identity. This also includes African Americans, Caribbeans and Afro-Latin Americans. Although there are many terminologies used, Think Africa uses the word “diaspora” because it captures the history of people of African descent.

A member means an annual membership fee has been paid. This is renewable at the beginning of each year. Members are the highest decision makers of the organisation, have a voice in the running of the organisation, are eligible to become part of the Board of Directors, and have first access to Think Africa’s resources.

Think Africa strives to cultivate a diverse membership of different backgrounds, races and identities. Our primary criteria for membership is demonstrating a commitment to Think Africa’s mission of the advancement of the African diaspora.

A community of people who share a common mission, access to information, networks and opportunities targeted at the economic empowerment of the diaspora, participation in diverse and interesting events, projects, programs and opportunity to create and see your ideas come to fruition.

Many of our members wear many hats representing different organizations. Think Africa uniquely provides a platform that is highly focused on the economic empowerment and wellbeing of the African diaspora. Think Africa also focuses on all diasporas and not any particular country or region. We believe that it is essential that everyone lives up to their potential and thrive.

There are several ways for you to contribute to Think Africa’s mission. You can volunteer at events, join a thematic working group, initiate and execute project ideas, be an outreach ambassador, represent Think Africa in different positions, be part of the Board, among others. From the interests, talents, hobbies, expertise of individual members, Think Africa thrives and you also benefit by applying and growing your skillset. We organise info sessions, where new members are also made aware of ways to get involved.

We love to hear about new ideas and collaboration. Please send an email with your proposal to our Chairperson and partnership lead Akin Akinsola at akin@thinkafrica.fi.

Yes, Think Africa’s activities are planned and implemented by members and volunteers. We update our website and social media with Volunteer opportunities but we also receive open interests.

We welcome support in many forms. Kindly find more information on the ‘Support us’ page https://www.thinkafrica.fi/support-us/. You can subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated and participate as your schedule permits.

Think Africa is mostly funded from public grants for projects, sponsorships and donations, as well as membership fees and other self-financing mechanisms.

Yes, Think Africa has vast experience in project development, from planning to implementation. However, we focus on projects that fall within Think Africa’s mission and contribute to the growth of the organization. As a non-profit, our skill set is not based on developing business ideas. However, we support entrepreneurs in several ways. We also have many members who are business leaders from whom you could get advice on. Lastly, our collaborators, Startup refugees and The Shortcut would be better consultants on business ideas.

Afara is an advisory service of Think Africa that provides access to vetted expertise in relation to Finnish-Africa collaboration through the Think Africa membership and network. Through the service, Finnish companies are able to obtain relevant African experts to support the development of their business(es) in Africa. You can be part of the Afara database as a member or non-member. Read more about Afara here.

No it is not.

Not exactly. For entrepreneurs who are members, their services get listed on the Think Africa website and are promoted on social media. This increases their visibility and accessibility among other Think Africa members.