The British Institute in Eastern Africa is a charity registered in England and Wales (Registration Number 1061622), governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. As one of the British International Research Institutes (BIRI), funded by the British Government via the British Academy, the BIEA has a base at the British Academy and runs a programme of events in the UK. The Institute’s charitable aim is to promote research in the field of social sciences and the humanities across Eastern Africa. Its Council has identified four aspects integral to this aim: direct research, and the facilitation of research projects; the building of the research community; the development and facilitation of research collaborations; and dissemination and public engagement.
Its Governing Council acts as its decision-making body and to ensure that the BIEA meets its charitable aims. The Council consists of the Honorary Officers, up to fifteen other persons elected by the members of the Institute and up to three other persons co-opted by Council. Members of Council are knowledgeable in the field of Eastern African studies.