An African organization, a regional mandate, a global perspective.
Founded to serve the peoples of the African Great Lakes, CAGL brings together decades of expertise in peacebuilding, development, and diplomacy.
From a founding vision to a regional institution.
CAGL was founded in France by African intellectuals, diplomats, and community leaders committed to the reconstruction and integration of the Great Lakes region. What began as a diaspora-led initiative has grown into a recognized non-profit organization working alongside governments, UN agencies, and grassroots communities.
Today, CAGL operates programs and partnerships across Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, structured around 17 strategic pillars ranging from peace mediation to environmental protection.
A peaceful, integrated, and prosperous Great Lakes region.
To catalyze cross-border cooperation for human development and lasting peace.
Rooted in France, active across six Great Lakes nations, respected worldwide.
Our core values
Integrity
Transparent stewardship of every partnership and every franc invested.
Solidarity
Regional cooperation rooted in shared history and shared destiny.
Excellence
Evidence-based programming benchmarked to international standards.
Dignity
Every project centered on the dignity of Great Lakes communities.
Five strategic objectives guiding our decade.
- 01
Consolidate lasting peace and cross-border cooperation.
- 02
Strengthen resilient health, education, and social systems.
- 03
Advance climate action, food security, and rural development.
- 04
Empower women, youth, and civil society as regional drivers of change.
- 05
Deepen partnerships with governments, universities, and multilaterals.
Dr. Samuel Kalenga
President of the Executive Board
Dr. Kalenga has dedicated over three decades to public service, diplomacy, and regional development in Central and East Africa. Prior to leading CAGL, he served as senior advisor to multilateral peace missions and lectured at leading European and African universities on regional integration.
Under his leadership, CAGL has more than tripled its programmatic reach and now convenes annually with UN, African Union, and European institutions on Great Lakes affairs.