The African Fund, established in 1986 during the 8th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in Harare, Zimbabwe, was a landmark initiative demonstrating the political, financial, and moral solidarity of developing nations with the liberation struggles in Africa. Conceived largely through India’s leadership under Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, the Fund aimed to support the fight against apartheid in South Africa, assist the liberation of Namibia, strengthen frontline African states affected by regional conflicts, and promote the broader ideals of decolonization, racial equality, and South-South cooperation. The initiative became one of the most significant institutional achievements of the Non-Aligned Movement during the Cold War era.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the African Fund, covering its historical background, objectives, establishment at the Harare Summit, organizational structure, funding mechanism, India’s leadership, Rajiv Gandhi’s contribution, assistance to ANC and SWAPO, support for frontline states, role in Namibia’s independence, impact on the anti-apartheid movement, achievements, decline after the end of apartheid, and its enduring legacy in India–Africa relations and South-South cooperation. It also explains why the African Fund remains an important topic for UPSC, State PCS, UGC-NET Political Science, International Relations, African Studies, Modern History, and other competitive examinations.
Author: Darshita Neeraj
Senior Researcher,
Mudita Learning and Knowledge Private Limited
Email: info@muditabooks.com
Date of post: 01.08.2026
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