Africa is a continent rich in natural and human resources. It encompasses great diversity geographically, socially, culturally, economically and politically. There are 54 countries in Africa, as well as several dependent territories. With more than 1.2 billion people, it is the second-most populous continent, after Asia.

Jesuit missionaries first made contact with African peoples in 1541, and missions were subsequently opened in Algeria, Morocco, Cape Verde, Congo, Angola, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia. It was not until the latter half of the 19th century, however, that Jesuit missions really took root and became widespread. Today Jesuits work in most African countries and are organized into 7 provinces and 2 regions, which together comprise the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar (JESAM).

Canadian Jesuits International works with Jesuit and other partners in Africa to promote social justice and economic development. Some of the projects we support, such as the African Jesuit AIDS Network (AJAN) and Jesuit Refugee Service of Eastern African (JRSEA), operate regionally while other projects are located in a particular country. Below you will find both kinds.