The international community, the United Nations, and other non-African institutions are seeking their cumulative experiences and intimate knowledge of the political, social and economic problems confronting the African continent. A number of these leaders are already involved in a number of projects and programmes initiated outside Africa. Indeed, institutions outside the continent are increasingly soliciting their archives and memoirs.

Recognizing the wealth of knowledge and experience these leaders have accumulated during their tenures in office and also considering their individual and collective will to continue to support, in their private capacities, development initiatives at national, sub-regional and regional levels, it is incumbent upon Africa and African institutions to develop capacities and mechanisms that facilitate and allow for the optimal utilization of their experiences. Consequently, former African Heads of State and Government and other African leaders should be encouraged to contribute with their views and advice on how best to promote better political and economic governance on the continent. Furthermore, it is important to ensure that these former African leaders are included in the debate and efforts towards providing African solutions to the social and economic problems facing the African continent. Their individual and collective experiences are treasures that must be tapped and used for the benefit of the African peoples.

It is in this context that it has become necessary to contemplate the creation of a forum, a platform through which they can collectively serve the continent.