Africa Center Receives $22 Million in Funding from Federal, State, and City Taxpayers, Banks, and Nonprofits for Development in Southwest Philadelphia

The long-awaited Africa Center, a social services and retail hub planned by the African Cultural Alliance of North America (ACANA) in Southwest Philadelphia, is finally becoming a reality thanks to the commitment of federal, state, and city taxpayers, banks, and nonprofits. The $22 million needed for the project has been secured, with hopes that it will anchor a larger redevelopment project called Dolakeh Square.

Voffee Jabateh, founder and executive director of ACANA, envisions the 37,000-square-foot Africa Center as an African-immigrant version of Philadelphia’s Chinatown, with offices, stores, and a second location for Youma Ba’s Kilimanjaro Senegalese restaurant and catering. The project also includes a community center, a branch of Woodland Academy, and a clinic run by Helena Kwakwa.

The funding arrangement for the Africa Center is a complex financial transaction designed to attract jobs and investments to the neighborhood. City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier played a key role in connecting the developers to the property owners, facilitating the acquisition of the necessary properties for the project.

The project received funding from various sources, including state matching funds, equity investment from Capital One N.A., federal Community Development Block Grants, and funds raised through the federal EB-5 program. Temporary funding for construction will be provided by the Reinvestment Fund while waiting for government and loan money to arrive.

The Africa Center is seen as a community-supported, Black-led project that will provide critical health care and social services to refugees, immigrants, and other community members in Southwest Philadelphia. With the support of various stakeholders, the Africa Center is set to revitalize the neighborhood and create a vibrant cultural and economic hub for the community.