The Institute for African Studies (IAS) is a research establishment incorporated in the Russian academy of Sciences (RAS).

The IAS was found on October 1959. Nearly 50 years our Institute has been conducting research on historical, socio-economic, ethno-cultural and political problems of African nations. In these years the Institute’s researchers have made a tangible contribution in the development of African studies in Soviet Union and modern Russia. Their names are well known throughout the world research centres.

Famous Soviet africanist, Ivan POTEKHIN was the founder and first Director of the IAS. Later the Institute was headed by corresponding members of the RAS Vassiliy SOLODOVNIKOV and Anatoliy GROMYKO. Both of them continue their research activity at the Institute in now days.

Since 1992 the Institute is directed by Professor Alexei VASILIEV.

The Institute for African Studies conducts researches across a wide range of the social sciences. Activities are organized on a long-term basis under fundamental thematic programmes: The Ways of the Global Development and the Revival of Russia and The Evolution of African Societies and the New Stage of Russia-Africa Relations.

The IAS is a key institution for the work of Scientific Council for the Problems of Africa under the RAS Social Sciences Division.

The IAS comprises 119 academic staff members, among the – four corresponding members of the RAS, eight professors, 19 Doctors of Sciences and 59 PhDs.

Following the last structural reorganization in 2007, the IAS embraces 13 research units, Group for Gender Studies, which was formed in the framework of cooperation of the IAS centres and the Centre for Information and International Relations, which combines administrative and research activities.