The Nelson Mandela Institution is a private non-governmental organization

Non-governmental organization

A non-governmental organization is a legally constituted organization created by natural or legal persons that operates independently from any government. The term originated from the United Nations , and is normally used to refer to organizations that do not form part of the government and are...

 dedicated to bringing excellence in science and engineering to Sub-Saharan Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa as a geographical term refers to the area of the African continent which lies south of the Sahara. A political definition of Sub-Saharan Africa, instead, covers all African countries which are fully or partially located south of the Sahara...

. The primary goal of NMI has been the establishment of the African Institute of Science and Technology

African Institute of Science and Technology

The African Institute of Science and Technology is a university system concept developed by the Nelson Mandela Institution aimed toward bringing the highest level of technical learning facilities to the continent of Africa...

 (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 Sub-Saharan Africa. 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

World Bank

The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans to developing countries for capital programmes.The World Bank's official goal is the reduction of poverty...

, Diaspora of African Scientists and Engineers, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay

Indian Institute of Technology Bombay

The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay , popularly known as IIT Bombay or IITB, is a public research university located in Powai, Mumbai...

 (IIT), and the International Finance Corporation

International Finance Corporation

The International Finance Corporation promotes sustainable private sector investment in developing countries.IFC is a member of the World Bank Group and is headquartered in Washington, D.C., United States....

 (IFC).

History

NMI was incorporated in April 2004 and launched at a summit of the African Union

African Union

The African Union is a union consisting of 54 African states. The only all-African state not in the AU is Morocco. Established on 9 July 2002, the AU was formed as a successor to the Organisation of African Unity...

in September 2004.