An indelible African footprint: the story of the Africa Institute of South Africa (AISA)

Abstract

This chapter provides a brief historical narrative of the development of AISA and its contribution to knowledge production, information sharing and capacity building in Africa. It outlines the changing imperatives of a research body such as AISA, shaped by the differing times and spaces in which it has been located, and the dominant politics of the day. The study of Africa - like Africa itself - has always been marginalised and seen as inferior to both other disciplines and other area studies. AISA has not escaped this challenge. To navigate this inherent pitfall, AISA has continuously sought to assert its relevance and contribution amidst increasingly narrowing opportunities for doing so. This chapter assesses the victories, challenges and shortcomings of AISA and reaffirms the importance of African centres of knowledge production in the quest for development, peace and security on the continent