About us

Abantu – people

“Bantu” comes from Abantu, the word for “people” in many languages of sub-Saharan Africa. We chose the name because we believe that people from different backgrounds and cultures achieve much more together – and that our differences make our work stronger.

Our work is grounded in Ubuntu – a term from isiZulu and isiXhosa that is also lived in other African languages, for example in western Uganda. It stands for generosity, consideration and humanity towards others: nobody is human on their own. That is why we pool resources, knowledge and care with our partners.

I am because we are.

Founded out of conviction

Bantu e.V. was founded in Berlin in 2019 by a small group of people from Uganda and Germany who wanted to help build a world where everyone can live a just and dignified life. During our founding phase we took a lot of time to question the concept of “development” cooperation and to reflect on our own position. Our mission, goals and values grew out of that process.

Many people have joined us since. Our office is on Kameruner Straße in Berlin-Wedding, in the heart of the African Quarter.

Deciding together

We organise ourselves sociocratically: “those who associate together should govern together.” Work is shared among self-organising circles, and we make decisions by consent rather than majority vote. Legal representation lies with the board under § 26 of the German Civil Code (BGB).

In international cooperation we apply for funding in Germany and implement projects together with local partner organisations that know their communities best.