Nelson Mandela Institution
The Nelson Mandela Institution, or NMI, is a private, non-governmental organization dedicated to bringing excellence in science and engineering to Sub-Saharan Africa. The primary goal of NMI has been the establishment of the African Institute of Science and Technology (AIST), based on the model of the Indian Institute of Technology, in order to further develop a higher learning community in science and technology in the region. In addition, NMI plans to establish The Sub-Saharan African Learning Network (SSALN), in order to enhance the collaboration between the AIST regional institutes and other academic institutions, private industry, and public policymakers. NMI is supported by the World Bank, Diaspora of African Scientists and Engineers, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT), and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
History
NMI was incorporated in April 2004, and launched at a summit of the African Union in September 2004.