University Archives
Joint Africa Board
The original Joint East African Board was established in June 1923 to promote the agricultural, commercial and industrial development of the British colonies and protectorates in East and Central Africa. A change of name to the Joint East and Central African Board occurred in 1949. The Board supported the creation of the Central African Federation and after the Federation's collapse, its focus became one of promoting a settlement between the British and Rhodesian governments. After the formation of a new East African Association in 1965, the Board renamed itself as the Joint Africa Board. The achievement of independence for British colonies in the region during the 1960s meant that the scope for its work gradually diminished and led to its being voluntarily wound up in July 1974.
Patrick Wall MP accumulated some 35 files relating to the Board, particularly during his term as Chairman from July 1965, and these cover the period 1953 to 1974. A large proportion of the files include reports on developments in Kenya, the Central African Federation and Tanganyika during the transition to independence. There are also agenda and minutes of the Council, Executive Committee and AGMs, annual reports and accounts, correspondence with the Secretary, newsletters and reports of meetings. Of particular note are two reports by Lt. Col. Mans of a mutiny in the 1st Battalion Tanganyika Rifles on 20 January 1964, and a copy of the history of the Board. [DPW/48]