Kofi Annan Foundation
The Kofi Annan Foundation is a Geneva-based non-profit foundation that advances peace, democracy, and youth leadership across 40+ countries through training programmes, seed grants, policy research, and convening events. It is funded by philanthropic donations and institutional grants, with the European Union as a primary funder.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2007
- HeadquartersGeneva, Switzerland
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Kofi Annan Foundation does
The Kofi Annan Foundation is a Geneva-based non-profit foundation established in 2007 (per firmographics) by Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, operating independently under Swiss law to advance peace, democracy, youth leadership, and inclusive multilateralism. Its work is organized into three programmatic pillars: Youth + Peace (including Kofi Annan Changemakers, Champions for Peace, Peace Beyond Borders, The Sawa Project, Environment of Peace, Extremely Together, and Rooting for the Future), Elections + Democracy (Leadership Excellence in Politics, WYDE Accountability Hubs, Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize, Digitalise Youth, Electoral Integrity Initiative, and the Electoral Vulnerability Index), and Multilateralism (multilateralism roundtables and the Kofi Annan Commission on Food Security). The foundation does not develop technology products; its outputs are training, mentorship, seed grants (€1,000-5,000), policy research, publications (158+), the Kofi Time podcast, and flagship convening events such as the Geneva Peace Address and the Athens Democracy Forum.
The foundation is funded exclusively through philanthropic donations and grants, with no fee-for-service revenue model; it holds public utility foundation status in Switzerland providing tax benefits to donors. Revenue is not publicly disclosed. Key institutional funders include the European Union (primary funder of WYDE), the Republic and Canton of Geneva, the Global Challenges Foundation, and Democracy & Culture Foundation, alongside public donations through the Youth Impact Fund (2025 target: CHF 130,000). Programs are delivered through a mix of direct implementation and a network of core implementing partners including Westminster Foundation for Democracy, The Oslo Center, European Partnership for Democracy, SIPRI, and One Young World. The foundation operates across 40+ countries spanning Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, and Europe, with a staff of 11-50 based primarily in Geneva. Leadership transitioned in June 2026 when Katie Sams succeeded Corinne Momal-Vanian as Executive Director.
Kofi Annan Foundation firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Kofi Annan Foundation
- Legal name
- Kofi Annan Foundation
- Website
- https://kofiannanfoundation.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2007
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- The Kofi Annan Foundation is a Geneva-based non-profit foundation that advances peace, democracy, and youth leadership across 40+ countries through training programmes, seed grants, policy research, and convening events. It is funded by philanthropic donations and institutional grants, with the European Union as a primary funder.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Kofi Annan Foundation industry classification
Industry- Product category
- International Peacebuilding and Democratic Governance
- NAICS
- Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133), Educational Support Services (611710)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- International Grantmaking & Development Foundations (BPAGAKAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Social Justice & Human Rights Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAN), Environmental & Climate Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAM)
Keywords
Where Kofi Annan Foundation is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Geneva
- HQ country
- Switzerland
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Kofi Annan Foundation business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Philanthropic Donations and Grants: The foundation is funded through charitable gifts, grants from foundations, and individual donations. The foundation has a public utility foundation status in Switzerland providing tax benefits for donors. Funding supports youth programs, democracy initiatives, and multilateralism work.
- Youth Impact Fund: The Kofi Annan Youth Impact Fund collects contributions to support young changemakers through seed grants (€1,000-5,000), youth program strengthening, and targeted support for exceptional young leaders. The 2025 target is CHF 130,000.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
Kofi Annan Foundation product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Kofi Annan Foundation is a non-profit foundation that designs and delivers programs for youth empowerment, democratic governance, and multilateral cooperation. It provides young leaders with seed grants (€1,000–€5,000), mentorship, training, and platforms to engage in peacebuilding and policy; supports governments and civil society on electoral integrity and democratic accountability; and convenes high-level dialogues on multilateralism, food security, and climate–conflict issues.
Product overview
The Kofi Annan Foundation is a non-profit organization that operates as a portfolio of interconnected programmes rather than a unified tech product. Its core offerings span three main areas: Youth + Peace (including Kofi Annan Changemakers, Champions for Peace, Peace Beyond Borders, The Sawa Project, Environment of Peace, Extremely Together, and Rooting for the Future), Elections + Democracy (including Leadership Excellence in Politics, WYDE Accountability Hubs, Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize, Digitalise Youth, Electoral Integrity Initiative, and Electoral Vulnerability Index), and Multilateralism (including the Kofi Annan Commission on Food Security). Additional offerings include Kofi Time podcast and the WYDE Accountability Hubs microsite. These programmes provide training, seed grants, mentorship, research publications, awards, and digital platforms to advance peace, democracy, and international cooperation.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Kofi Annan Changemakers An intergenerational dialogue programme that empowers young leaders through training, mentorship, and seed grants to implement innovative solutions for peace and democracy.
- Champions for Peace Programme empowering young people in Southeast Asia to become peacebuilders and prevent violent extremism.
- Peace Beyond Borders Initiative preventing and countering violent extremism and terrorism in the DRC and Uganda, transforming communities from targets of violence into agents of sustainable peace.
- The Sawa Project Project strengthening community-led efforts to improve mental health awareness, services, and policies in Kenya and Malawi.
- Environment of Peace Youth-led research initiative on climate, environment, and peace, exploring the intersection of climate change and conflict.
- Extremely Together A global youth-led initiative that aims to empower young people to prevent violent extremism through training and peer networks.
- Rooting for the Future Programme empowering Lebanese youth through cultural heritage restoration to foster social cohesion and employability.
- Leadership Excellence in Politics (LEiP) Initiative rebuilding trust in political leadership through training and development programmes.
- Women and Youth in Democracy (WYDE) – Accountability Hubs Programme supporting young leaders strengthening accountability and democratic governance in Sub-Saharan Africa through training, seed funding, and mentorship.
- Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize Prize recognizing exceptional young leaders aged 18-35 who demonstrate leadership in defending, renewing, and promoting democracy, offering USD 10,000, mentorship, and speaking opportunities.
- Digitalise Youth Initiative enhancing digital skills, promoting civic tech solutions, and raising awareness about online political engagement.
- Electoral Integrity Initiative Programme addressing electoral challenges and supporting free, fair, and transparent elections worldwide.
- Electoral Vulnerability Index Predictive tool identifying election-related violence risks and electoral vulnerabilities across countries.
- Kofi Annan Commission on Food Security Multi-stakeholder commission reviewing challenges to global food security architecture and developing policy recommendations for transforming food governance.
- Kofi Time: The Podcast Podcast series exploring multilateralism, democracy, peace, and human rights through conversations with global leaders.
- WYDE Accountability Hubs Microsite Online platform documenting stories of impact from young leaders across Sub-Saharan Africa working on accountability, civic participation, and democratic engagement.
Quantifiable outcome
- 40 young leaders from 23 countries implemented accountability and democratic engagement initiatives through WYDE Accountability Hubs
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Kofi Annan Foundation
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Kofi Annan Foundation technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Kofi Annan Foundation partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.
- InterpeaceflagshipThe Kofi Annan Foundation and Interpeace deepened their strategic cooperation in March 2026 by signing an MoU. The partnership focuses on working differently for peace, combining双方的 expertise in peacebuilding and youth empowerment.
- Westminster Foundation for DemocracycoreImplementing partner for the WYDE (Women and Youth in Democracy) Accountability Hubs programme. The partnership supports young leaders in Sub-Saharan Africa to strengthen accountability, civic participation, and democratic engagement through training, seed funding, and collaboration.
- The Oslo CentercoreImplementing partner for the WYDE Accountability Hubs programme, working with the Kofi Annan Foundation and Westminster Foundation for Democracy to empower young leaders in democracy and accountability.
- European Partnership for DemocracycoreThe European Partnership for Democracy powers the WYDE Accountability Hubs initiative and leads the broader 'Women and Youth in Democracy' project funded by the European Union.
- Alianza para la PazcorePartner in the 'Voices of Reconciliation and Equality' project in Colombia (2022-2023) and the subsequent 'Acordes por la Paz' music education guide for peacebuilding and gender equality.
- Fundación Nacional BatutacorePartner in Colombia's music education project for peacebuilding and gender equality. Batuta music centers in Puerto Asís, Putumayo, and Saravena, Arauca implemented the Acordes por la Paz methodology.
- Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)coreResearch partner for the Resilience Rising report on youth, climate, and conflict. SIPRI provided expertise and partnership for research conducted in Burkina Faso, Niger, Pakistan, Philippines, Somalia, and Uganda.
- Fight for HumanitycorePartner in the 'Rooting for the Future' initiative in Lebanon, focused on heritage conservation, youth empowerment, and social cohesion in Tripoli.
- Permanent Peace MovementcorePartner in the 'Rooting for the Future' initiative in Lebanon, working on youth empowerment and social cohesion through cultural heritage.
- IECD - Semeurs d'AvenircorePartner in the 'Rooting for the Future' initiative in Lebanon, contributing to youth empowerment and heritage conservation efforts.
- Directorate General of Antiquities (Lebanon)minorGovernment partner in the 'Rooting for the Future' initiative, providing expertise on heritage conservation and restoration in Tripoli, Lebanon.
- Democracy & Culture FoundationflagshipCo-sponsor of the Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize, which recognizes exceptional young leaders advancing democracy. The prize includes USD 10,000, mentorship, and speaking opportunities at the Athens Democracy Forum.
- One Young WorldflagshipPartner in the Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize. The winner and nine finalists receive scholarships to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town. Applications are submitted through the One Young World platform.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Kofi Annan Foundation competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Mo Ibrahim Foundation: Founder-led African philanthropy focused on governance, leadership, and democratic accountability — closely aligned with the Kofi Annan Foundation's democracy and youth-leadership work in Sub-Saharan Africa, including the parallel legacy-founder model (Mo Ibrahim Prize).
- Nelson Mandela Foundation: Legacy foundation of another Nobel Peace Prize laureate (Nelson Mandela) advancing dialogue, social justice, and democratic values — directly comparable post-founder operating model to the Kofi Annan Foundation.
- International IDEA: Inter-governmental organization supporting democratic institutions and electoral integrity worldwide — overlaps directly with the Kofi Annan Foundation's Elections + Democracy pillar, including the Electoral Vulnerability Index and Electoral Integrity Initiative.
- Westminster Foundation for Democracy: UK-funded democracy-support organization working on political party development, parliamentary strengthening, and inclusive political participation — a current implementing partner of WYDE Accountability Hubs but also a peer competing for similar democracy-programming grants.
- Club of Madrid: Membership organization of former heads of state and government advancing democratic leadership and inclusive policy — comparable to the Kofi Annan Foundation's high-level convening role around democracy and multilateralism.
- Carter Center: Legacy foundation of former US President Jimmy Carter focused on peace, democracy, elections, and disease eradication — the most operationally similar legacy-foundry peer, with comparable election-monitoring and democracy programmes globally.
- United States Institute of Peace: US-funded institution working on conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and stabilization — directly comparable to the Kofi Annan Foundation's Youth + Peace pillar and Extremely Together/Peace Beyond Borders programmes.
Broad incumbents
- International Crisis Group: Larger, established think tank producing field-based analysis and policy advice on conflict-affected states — overlaps with the Kofi Annan Foundation's conflict-and-climate research (Resilience Rising) and convening role on global peace issues.
- Carnegie Endowment for International Peace: Major global-affairs think tank producing policy research on democracy, multilateralism, and international order — adjacent to the Kofi Annan Foundation's Multilateralism pillar and food-security commission work, with broader scope and resources.
- Stanley Foundation: Private foundation advancing multilateral approaches to peace and security through policy analysis and convenings — comparable in mission (peace, multilateralism, democratic governance) and in operating model of convening plus research publication.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Kofi Annan Foundation social profiles
Digital presenceKofi Annan Foundation financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Kofi Annan Foundation leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Kofi Annan Foundation funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
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Kofi Annan Foundation M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
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Frequently asked questions about Kofi Annan Foundation
What does Kofi Annan Foundation do?
The Kofi Annan Foundation is a non-profit foundation that designs and delivers programs for youth empowerment, democratic governance, and multilateral cooperation. It provides young leaders with seed grants (€1,000–€5,000), mentorship, training, and platforms to engage in peacebuilding and policy; supports governments and civil society on electoral integrity and democratic accountability; and convenes high-level dialogues on multilateralism, food security, and climate–conflict issues.
Is Kofi Annan Foundation a public or private company?
Kofi Annan Foundation is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Kofi Annan Foundation founded?
Kofi Annan Foundation was founded in 2007. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Kofi Annan Foundation based?
Kofi Annan Foundation is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, in the Europe region.
How does Kofi Annan Foundation make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Philanthropic Donations and Grants are the primary driver. The others are youth Impact Fund.
Who are Kofi Annan Foundation's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Mo Ibrahim Foundation, Nelson Mandela Foundation, International IDEA, Westminster Foundation for Democracy, Club of Madrid, Carter Center and United States Institute of Peace. Broad incumbents are International Crisis Group, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and Stanley Foundation.
Does Kofi Annan Foundation have an API?
No public API is recorded for Kofi Annan Foundation.
What industry is Kofi Annan Foundation in?
Kofi Annan Foundation's product category is International Peacebuilding and Democratic Governance. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAKAH, International Grantmaking & Development Foundations, with a secondary code of BPAGAKAN, Social Justice & Human Rights Grantmaking Foundations. Its NAICS code is 813211 and its SIC code is 8200.