The newly established Foundation of Finnish Southern Africa Cooperation Institute supports the long-term development of the Finnish Southern Africa Cooperation Institute (FSAI). The foundation strengthens the institute’s administrative framework and promotes cooperation between Finland and the countries of Southern Africa.
The purpose of the foundation is to maintain the Finnish Southern Africa Cooperation Institute (FSAI), located in Windhoek, Namibia, and to promote cooperation between Finland and the countries of Southern Africa in the fields of science, the arts, education and business. The foundation is registered in Finland, with Helsinki as its registered domicile.
The foundation forms part of a broader process through which a new Finnish science and culture institute was established in Southern Africa in 2025. The institute was founded by Pro Suomen eteläisen Afrikan kulttuuri- ja tiedeinstituutti ry, a registered Finnish association which serves as the institute’s Finnish background and membership organisation. The newly established foundation aims to support the institute’s long-term development and ensure the continuity of its activities in the years ahead.
The foundation deed has been signed and its statutes approved. The foundation’s initial capital was raised with the support of seven founding donors, providing a solid basis for future development work. The foundation is currently preparing to launch broader fundraising activities.
The Chair of the foundation’s Board is Martti Eirola, Chair of the Finland–Namibia Society. Other Board members are Jussi Mälkiä, Chair of the Board of Meriaura Invest Oy; Pauliina Parhiala, Executive Director of the Finnish Mission Society; and Professor and Rector Emeritus Kalervo Väänänen.
The foundation strengthens FSAI’s role as a long-term platform for cooperation between Finland and Southern Africa and supports the development of new international networks around globally significant themes.
Further information on the foundation’s fundraising activities and donation opportunities will be published shortly – please follow FSAI’s website for updates.
Further information
The Foundation of Finnish Southern Africa Cooperation Institute
Martti Eirola, Chair of the Board, martti.eirola@hotmail.com
Pro Suomen eteläisen Afrikan kulttuuri- ja tiedeinstituutti ry
Kalervo Väänänen, Chair of the Board, kalervo.vaananen@utu.fi
Finnish Southern Africa Cooperation Institute (FSAI)
Sarudzai Simango, Director, mutanasimangos@gmail.com
