About the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa

I cannot think of any comparable centre for the study of Africa outside of the continent that has made such a huge impact within such a limited time

Wale Adebanwi, University of Oxford

Mission

The Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa (FLIA) at LSE focuses on the study of, and engagement with, Africa. FLIA promotes the visibility of Africa in LSE’s teaching, research, and policy engagement. It supports independent multi-disciplinary academic research and teaching; open and issue-oriented debate; and evidence-based policymaking.

As a multi-disciplinary institute, FLIA works across social science disciplines to develop cutting-edge research including work on health, South-South relations, justice and security, economic growth, environmental issues, grassroots organisations, conflict and humanitarianism, and public authority. FLIA strives to produce robust independent scholarship that raises the profile of African issues and perspectives in global debates.

Through its various academic, research and outreach programmes, FLIA promotes collaborative partnerships and knowledge sharing between LSE and UK scholars and institutions and their counterparts in Africa.

Committed to public outreach, FLIA hosts a wide range of ongoing programmes and activities such as the Programme for African Leadership (PfAL), the LSE Africa Summit, the Africa Talks series, the African Visiting Research Fellowship Programme, the Africa Engagement Programme, a ESRC/GCRF Research Centre on Public Authority and International Development and the Africa@LSE blog.

2023-2026 FLIA Strategy

To support its goals, FLIA has a three-year strategic plan which explains how it will put Africa at the heart of LSE. For more information you can read the document here.

Why an institute for Africa at LSE?

More than 100 scholars at the School currently work on Africa across social science disciplines including anthropology, development studies, economics, geography, health, international relations, politics, social policy and social psychology.

Originally established as a centre, we became the The Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa in 2021 after a generous gift from Firoz Lalji. As an Insitute, FLIA is able to set it's own research agenda and plan for the future with secure funding. It will continue to do what the LSE has always been commited to: To look into the causes of things.

FLIA emphasises public dissemination, engagement with policy-makers and work to enhance the quality and availability of evidence. It promotes teaching about Africa and the continent’s changing significance in the world both at LSE and internationally, and it upholds robust independent scholarship on the continent.

JohnMahama_AfricaSummit2014_800x600 — *Former President of Ghana John Mahama speaking at the 2014 LSE Africa Summit*

FLIA Annual Reports

Each year the FLIA produces an annual report showcasing its recent events, engagement programmes, research. media coverage and student initiatives. Click below to read the latest reports.