The Africa Center made an announcement today that Dr. Uzodinma Iweala will be leaving his position as CEO in December 2024, after seven years of significant leadership at the institution. During Dr. Iweala’s tenure, The Africa Center underwent a transformation from a visual arts museum to an interdisciplinary center with an expanded mission focused on culture and policy programming aimed at reshaping narratives and creating new opportunities for Africa and the Diaspora.
With this broadened mission, The Africa Center at Aliko Dangote Hall opened its doors to the public in 2019, quickly establishing itself as a vibrant cultural hub in Harlem. Since then, the Center has organized over 280 programs in areas such as culture, policy, and business related to contemporary African life. The Center has attracted more than 177,000 visitors through its exhibitions, art installations, performances, film screenings, policy forums, author talks, and various special events including Harlem-Day celebrations.
“After seven years of dedicated service to The Africa Center, I have decided that it is time to turn the page and write my next chapter,” said Dr. Iweala regarding his departure. “My time at The Africa Center has been incredibly fulfilling, both professionally and personally, as we’ve worked diligently to fulfill our mission. I am proud of the achievements we’ve made together, from hosting unique programs focused on African culture and the Diaspora to building a strong community around our mission. I am confident that the Center is well-positioned to welcome new leadership that will take it to greater heights.”
The Board of Trustees expressed their gratitude to Uzodinma Iweala for his visionary leadership, passion, and unwavering commitment to The Africa Center. Board Co-Chair Chelsea Clinton and Board Co-Chair Jendayi Frazer acknowledged Iweala’s legacy of growth, innovation, and community engagement which will continue to inspire the organization’s work in the future. The Board is dedicated to finding a successor who will build on Iweala’s accomplishments and lead The Africa Center into its next phase of development.
Some of Iweala’s notable achievements include the creation of the Future Africa Forum, which introduced an interdisciplinary approach to policy programming at The Africa Center. He also facilitated a groundbreaking partnership with Africa No Filter and the University of Cape Town to develop the Global Media Index, setting a benchmark for media coverage of Africa. Additionally, Iweala collaborated with various organizations to curate exhibitions showcasing African and Diaspora artists.
Working closely with the Board of Trustees, Iweala was instrumental in retiring the museum’s debt, increasing fundraising, initiating the construction of the Aliko Dangote Hall, and strengthening relationships with the community. He established a solid support network for The Africa Center within Harlem, New York City, Africa, and African Diasporic communities worldwide.
Isaacson, Miller will lead the search for The Africa Center’s next leader in collaboration with the organization’s Transition Committee comprising Trustees Temi Adeniji, Jim Bildner, Jamie Cooper, Jendayi Frazer, Meredith Marshall, and Ben Stein.