about cilpa
Advancing justice, innovation, and sustainable development.
The Center for International Law and Policy in Africa (CILPA) is an independent and non-profit think tank that aims to shape discourse and build bridges between research, policy and practice on issues of international law and regional law in Africa. It is incorporated as a company limited by guarantee under Sierra Leonean law in accordance with the Companies Act No. 5 2009 (as amended).
CILPA’s work will focus on critical issues of public and private international law of particular relevance to the continent of Africa. As a research center, we are dedicated to the scientific study of and promotion of knowledge of international law and regional law especially African Union law and their role as vehicles to advance peace, stability, security as well as social and economic development.
CILPA is a recipient of seed funding from the Africa Regional Office of the Open Society Foundations.
Our mission
- To promote the study of the codification, progressive development and implementation of international and regional law in Africa.
- To encourage, through teaching, research and publication, the scientific study of and development and dissemination of international law and policy taking into account the needs and specificities of African peoples and African States.
- To serve as a forum for informed discussion and debate of current events and issues in international law and African Union law, in particular, including how best to advance human security, human development and human innovation on the continent and internationally.
- To foster, through research and advocacy, a culture of respect for fundamental human rights and freedoms as enshrined in various African and international legal instruments.
- To bring international law to African policy makers, and African policy makers to international law through the conduct of studies and development of policy options on timely topics with implications for the African region as a whole.
- To highlight and promote African perspectives, contributions and scholarship in international law, policy, and justice, including through the provision of high-quality educational programs, seminars, workshops, training, symposia, publications of academic journals, occasional policy papers, books, and other similar scholarly activities.
- To engage in any other lawful purpose that may assist in advancing the above goals.
Our Core Areas
Of Focus
We drive impactful change by advancing legal research, fostering policy innovation, and promoting advocacy for justice, human rights, and development, creating a platform for informed dialogue and transformative solutions across Africa.
Research & Policy Development
Groundbreaking research for impactful human rights policies in Africa and globally.
Advocacy & Engagement
Driving change through regional dialogue for human rights and legal advancements.
Training & Capacity Building
Empowering African legal professionals with skills for progress and justice.