Who we are
Finnish Southern Africa Cooperation Institute
Building bridges between Finland and Southern Africa through science, culture and business.
The Finnish Southern Africa Cooperation Institute in Windhoek, Namibia, will begin operations in 2025. The institute promotes diverse cooperation in science, culture, education, and business between Finland and countries in Southern Africa. Cooperation countries include Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and other countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The institute is founded and supported by Pro Suomen eteläisen Afrikan kulttuuri- ja tiedeinstituutti ry, a non-profit association established in 2024 and funded by the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture. The institute’s goal is to be an active member of the network of Finnish Cultural and Academic Institutes.
- The executive committee
The executive committee of Pro Suomen eteläisen Afrikan kulttuuri- ja tiedeinstituutti ry:
Kalervo Väänänen, Chair, Rector emeritus, University of Turku
Martti Eirola, Vice-Chair, Professor, University of Oulu Chairperson of the Finnish-Namibian Society, Vice-chair
Anne Hatanpää, Liaison Manager, Finland Chamber of Commerce,
Tapio Kujala, Vice-rector, University of the Arts Helsinki
Kimmo Kääriäinen, Executive Director, Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland
Jussi Mälkiä, CEO, Meriaura Invest Ltd
Pauliina Parhiala, Executive Director, Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission
Maija S. Peltola, Vice-rector, University of Turku
Jarkko Saarinen, Professor, University of Oulu
Riitta Mustonen, Secretary
- Why us?
By operating in Southern Africa, we create meaningful connections and unique value through the following activities:
Cross-border cooperation
We open new opportunities for cooperation between Finland and Southern Africa in the fields of science, culture, education, and business.
Future-oriented themes
Our multidisciplinary and high-level work focuses on the big issues of tomorrow, such as combating climate change and species extinction, food security, mutual understanding between cultures, etc.
Impactful partnerships
Through our operations, we forge competitive partnerships that are based on trust, co-development, and long-term impact. These can also create new business opportunities.
- Our goals
Our goals for 2025-2026
A strong foundation
The functions of the registered association will be transferred to a foundation to be established in 2025, whose sole task is to support the new institute. We will create an effective governance structure and secure a sustainable funding model for the institute.
Strategic growth
We will build the institute’s operations gradually and systematically, ensuring successful recruitment – and by the end of 2026, the institute will be ready to operate in line with its strategy and at full capacity.
Meaningful partnerships
We will launch impactful, mutually beneficial pilot projects and initiatives in the fields of research, education, culture, and business – involving actors from Finland and across Southern Africa.
- Our values
Our value
Equal cooperation
Trust, openness, and collaboration form the foundation of all partnerships. We build partnerships that share resources equally and create value for all parties – in Finland as well as in Southern Africa.
Sustainable future
Our operations are grounded in long-term commitment and the responsible use of resources. We create impactful content and seek solutions that promote a sustainable, equitable, and vibrant future.
Dialogue between cultures
Renewal begins with listening, curiosity, and meaningful encounters. Together, we seek new ways of thinking, acting, and solving problems so that we can grow in intercultural understanding.
