Access & Inclusion
We challenge systemic barriers and discrimination through universal design, ensuring fair access to services for every community member.
National Black History Month Ireland (BHMI)
Africa — Ireland Bridge
African Consciousness.Cultural Diplomacy.Creative Futures.
“Not to Count Differences — But to let the Differences Count.”
Bridging communities through cultural heritage — connecting African heritage to Ireland's future. The Africa-Irish Development Initiative (AIDI) CLG Limited unites Africa and Europe through heritage arts and crafts, Black & African history observance, youth creativity and social enterprise.
African ConsciousnessCultural DiplomacyBlack & African History ObservanceSocial EnterpriseYouth CreativityThe Irish-African BridgeConnecting African Heritage to Ireland's FutureBridging Communities Through HeritageAfrican ConsciousnessCultural DiplomacyBlack & African History ObservanceSocial EnterpriseYouth CreativityThe Irish-African BridgeConnecting African Heritage to Ireland's FutureBridging Communities Through Heritage
Our Mission
One bridge.
Two heritages.
AIDI operates nationwide to drive behavioural change, foster genuine inclusion, harness opportunities and celebrate African heritage. We empower communities to build a future rooted in mutual respect — bridging communities through cultural heritage, one programme at a time.
Language & Culture
Supporting families in preserving their mother tongues while celebrating the cultural ties that connect global African heritage with Ireland.
Africa History Month
As the official organiser of Black History Month in Ireland, AIDI coordinates national events that honour history and strengthen intercultural dialogue.
Community Empowerment
We build pathways for social change through education and dialogue, giving individuals the tools they need to lead more equitable lives.
National Black History Month Ireland (BHMI)
Every October, Ireland remembers aloud.
As the official organiser of Black History Month in Ireland, AIDI steers the national observance every October — a month of exhibitions, summits, workshops and storytelling honouring Black & African history and the communities shaping Ireland today.
Initiated in Cork by AIDI founder Zephrynus Okechi Ikeh (2008–2010) and officially launched in 2014 by the European Commission Representation Office in Dublin and the African Diplomatic Corps in Ireland — making Ireland the fourth country in the world to officially celebrate Black History Month.
“The BHMI initiative will tackle racism and discrimination through helping people understand different cultures; Not to Count Differences — But to let the Differences Count.”
Zephrynus Okechi Ikeh — Founder, AIDI
The journey
2010
The legacy begins in Cork City — regional observances partnered with University College Cork, Cork City Council and the Nigerian Embassy in Dublin.
2013
Repeat celebrations deepen the movement across the region.
2014
Inaugural national launch on 4 October at the European Commission Representation Office, Dublin — with Ambassador Anas Khalas (Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps) and Barbara Nolan (Head of the European Representation Office) as keynote speakers. Ireland becomes the fourth country in the world to officially celebrate Black History Month.
Read The Journal's coverage ↗2015
Theme: “A Century of Celebration: Catch the Life, History and Culture” — unearthing lesser-known connections between Ireland and the African Diaspora.
Today
AIDI steers the national observance every October — exhibitions, summits, workshops and storytelling across Ireland.
01OCT
BHMI Opening Ceremony & Keynote
15OCT
Youth Storytelling & History Lab
31OCT
BHMI Closing Gala & Craft Auction
Programmes & Impact
Measured in lives, not just numbers.
0+
Communities Empowered
Nationwide across Ireland
0+
Education Sessions
Heritage, language and inclusion programmes
0k+
Opportunities Created
For community members across Africa and Ireland
0%
Intercultural Impact
Every programme builds mutual respect
Policy meets heritage
Diplomacy Exchange
Annual summits and ambassador dialogues linking African missions with Irish and EU institutions — anchored by the Black & African History observance, keynotes and cross-cultural policy forums.
- Black & African History Observance summit
- Ambassador & civic leader dialogues
- Travelling heritage exhibitions
Arts & Crafts Showcase
Craft as diplomacy.
Authentic textiles, sculpture, beadwork and basketry — each piece a provenance-tagged story of intercultural relations.
Youth Development & Creativity
Handing the next generation the pen.
From Dublin studios to Lagos workshops, young African and Irish creatives learn to tell their own histories — through fine art, craft, theatre and digital storytelling.
Proudly delivered with
Youth Fine Art & History Workshop
Empowering young Diaspora artists to explore Black & African history through oil and textile medium.
Intercultural Craft Residency Dublin
Collaborative studio sessions bridging Irish ceramic traditions with West African pottery.
Youth Cultural Leadership Council
Building community advocacy through storytelling, theatre, and policy mentorship.
Leadership
Stewards of the bridge.
Zephrynus Okechi Ikeh
Founder · Executive Secretary & Programme Development Director
Initiated and established Black History Month Ireland in Cork (2008–2010), officially launched in 2014 by the European Commission Representation Office in Dublin and the African Diplomatic Corps in Ireland — making Ireland the fourth country in the world to officially celebrate Black History Month.
Immaculata Ndey
Chairperson
Chairperson of The Africa-Irish Development Initiative (AIDI) CLG Limited, guiding the board's stewardship of the organisation's mission and partnerships.
Patrick O'Connor
Head of European Partnerships
Social enterprise consultant managing European Union grant frameworks and NGO social impact metrics.
Amina Diop
Youth Development & Creative Lead
Senegalese-Irish youth advocate driving creative workshops, historical observance galas, and digital storytelling.
Voices from Our Community
Impact, in their words.
Our mission is driven by the lived experiences of our members. These voices reflect the impact of our collaborative efforts in fostering inclusion and heritage throughout Ireland.
“AIDI has provided me with a true sense of belonging. Their programs help me feel closer to my heritage while being fully included in the local community.”
“The support for language and culture has been life-changing for our family. My children are growing up proud of their roots while confidently embracing their Irish identity.”
“Partnering with AIDI is built on a foundation of profound trust. Their commitment to inclusive development shows they truly value the power of intercultural unity.”
News & Stories
History, being written.
Cultural DiplomacyFeaturedOctober 2026
Zephrynus Okechi Ikeh: The Vision Behind Black History Month Ireland
The story of AIDI's founder, who initiated Black History Month Ireland in Cork and saw it officially launched in 2014 — making Ireland the fourth country in the world to officially celebrate Black History Month.
Read storyArts & CraftMay 19, 2026
Bridging Traditions: Irish Lace meets West African Adire Textiles
Exhibition recap from the National Museum of Ireland featuring collaborative textile art crafted by master artisans.
Read storySocial ImpactJune 28, 2026
Empowering Next-Gen Social Enterprises across Ireland & West Africa
Announcing €1.2M seed grant acceleration fund for youth-led creative hubs and sustainable craft cooperatives.
Read story
Cultural DiplomacyJuly 12, 2026
Celebrating Black & African History Observance 2026 in Dublin
AIDI hosts landmark summit showcasing ancestral art, historical keynotes, and cross-cultural policy dialogues between African ambassadors and Irish leaders.
Read storyPartners & Supporters
The bridge is built together.
Diplomatic & Government Partners
Cultural & Community Partners
Working with embassies, government bodies, cultural institutions, councils and community organisations across Africa and Ireland.
Donate & Partner
Fuel the movement.
Every contribution trains an artisan, funds a youth workshop, or stages a history observance that changes how two continents see each other.
€
Donate by bank transfer
IE06 AIBK 9311 0172 497013
The Africa-Irish Development Initiative (AIDI) CLG Limited
Prefer to give time rather than money? Whether through volunteering, initiative support or civic collaboration, your contribution builds a future rooted in togetherness and mutual respect — choose "Volunteering" in the form and tell us how you'd like to help.