The Africa Institute, Global Studies University (GSU) recently hosted a distinguished group of scholars from across Africa and the African diaspora as part of its recruitment efforts for the inaugural MA program in Global African Studies. The scholars visited from November 9 to 16, 2024, for a scholarly and cultural immersion at The Africa Institute (GSU) in Sharjah, UAE, aimed at stimulating interest in GSU’s academic offerings and fostering intellectual dialogue.
The group, selected from renowned institutions across the globe, participated in a series of academic presentations, networking events, and cultural orientation sessions. These sessions introduced the scholars to The Africa Institute’s (GSU) interdisciplinary approach to African studies, as well as the university’s faculty and academic community. The visit also aimed to engage the scholars in critical discussions on the pressing issues in African and African diaspora studies, as well as to immerse them in the rich cultural life of Sharjah.
The visit culminated in their participation in the “New Directions in African Political Economy” conference, held from November 14 to 16, which honored the late Professor Thandika Mkandawire and his significant contributions to the field. The conference included a series of keynotes and panel discussions reflecting on the relevance of his scholarship for contemporary African Political Economy. The event provided a key opportunity for the scholars to network with senior experts in the field, engage in intellectual dialogue, and explore new perspectives in African political economy.
In addition to attending the conference, the scholars participated in a Welcome & Orientation Session, which introduced them to Master’s and PhD programs in African and African Diaspora studies. They were also given the opportunity to explore Sharjah’s cultural heritage and student life, with a cultural immersion program that included visits to the Mleiha Archeological Center, Mleiha’s Fossil rock and desert experience, Sharjah Art Foundation’s spaces and selected Sharjah museums.
Throughout the visit, the scholars engaged in meaningful exchanges with The Africa Institute’s (GSU) academic community and fellow participants, gaining valuable insights into the university’s academic framework and the interdisciplinary nature of its programs.
The scholars selected for the program include: Rebecca Wembabazi, Makerere Institute of Social Research (MISR); Raouda Mamane Bello, UWC Mahindra College | Pune, India; Afomiya Ayalew, Journalist, Graduate of Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia; Cyril Ayemele, Lecturer, University of Johannesburg, South Africa; Dr. Kiru Sichoongwe, Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Johannesburg, South Africa; Sandile Stanley Mbatha, MCom Development Economics, University of Johannesburg, South Africa; Tsgiermariam Sete, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia; Azhar Sholgami, Researcher & Teaching Assistant, Cornell University, USA; Paschalin Basil, Development Researcher, Ph.D. applicant, University of Nairobi; Mostafa Hamdy Elsaid Ahmed, Senior Political Researcher, Al Habtoor Research Centre (AHRC), Egypt.
Mostafa Hamdy Elsaid Ahmed, Senior Political Researcher at the Al Habtoor Research Centre, shared his thoughts: “The networking opportunities at the conference were invaluable, and the interdisciplinary approach to African political economy resonates with my academic and professional goals. I look forward to joining a program that bridges scholarly research with real-world application.”
The MA in Global African Studies at GSU is designed to address some of the most pressing issues in African and African diaspora studies, with tracks in Museum and Critical Heritage Studies, Diplomacy and Africa’s International Relations, and Afro-Arab Relations. Scholars will benefit from a diverse faculty and the opportunity to engage in groundbreaking research across topics such as gender studies, intellectual thought, and diaspora.
Applications for the MA program are open, with the deadline for the Spring intake being November 30, 2024.
Click here for more information about the program and how to apply.
The Africa Institute, Global Studies University (GSU) recently hosted a distinguished group of scholars from across Africa and the African diaspora as part of its recruitment efforts for the inaugural MA program in Global African Studies. The scholars visited from November 9 to 16, 2024, for a scholarly and cultural immersion at The Africa Institute (GSU) in Sharjah, UAE, aimed at stimulating interest in GSU’s academic offerings and fostering intellectual dialogue.
The Africa Institute, Global Studies University (GSU) recently hosted a distinguished group of scholars from across Africa and the African diaspora as part of its recruitment efforts for the inaugural MA program in Global African Studies. The scholars visited from November 9 to 16, 2024, for a scholarly and cultural immersion at The Africa Institute (GSU) in Sharjah, UAE, aimed at stimulating interest in GSU’s academic offerings and fostering intellectual dialogue.
The group, selected from renowned institutions across the globe, participated in a series of academic presentations, networking events, and cultural orientation sessions. These sessions introduced the scholars to The Africa Institute’s (GSU) interdisciplinary approach to African studies, as well as the university’s faculty and academic community. The visit also aimed to engage the scholars in critical discussions on the pressing issues in African and African diaspora studies, as well as to immerse them in the rich cultural life of Sharjah.
The visit culminated in their participation in the “New Directions in African Political Economy” conference, held from November 14 to 16, which honored the late Professor Thandika Mkandawire and his significant contributions to the field. The conference included a series of keynotes and panel discussions reflecting on the relevance of his scholarship for contemporary African Political Economy. The event provided a key opportunity for the scholars to network with senior experts in the field, engage in intellectual dialogue, and explore new perspectives in African political economy.
In addition to attending the conference, the scholars participated in a Welcome & Orientation Session, which introduced them to Master’s and PhD programs in African and African Diaspora studies. They were also given the opportunity to explore Sharjah’s cultural heritage and student life, with a cultural immersion program that included visits to the Mleiha Archeological Center, Mleiha’s Fossil rock and desert experience, Sharjah Art Foundation’s spaces and selected Sharjah museums.
Throughout the visit, the scholars engaged in meaningful exchanges with The Africa Institute’s (GSU) academic community and fellow participants, gaining valuable insights into the university’s academic framework and the interdisciplinary nature of its programs.
The scholars selected for the program include: Rebecca Wembabazi, Makerere Institute of Social Research (MISR); Raouda Mamane Bello, UWC Mahindra College | Pune, India; Afomiya Ayalew, Journalist, Graduate of Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia; Cyril Ayemele, Lecturer, University of Johannesburg, South Africa; Dr. Kiru Sichoongwe, Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Johannesburg, South Africa; Sandile Stanley Mbatha, MCom Development Economics, University of Johannesburg, South Africa; Tsgiermariam Sete, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia; Azhar Sholgami, Researcher & Teaching Assistant, Cornell University, USA; Paschalin Basil, Development Researcher, Ph.D. applicant, University of Nairobi; Mostafa Hamdy Elsaid Ahmed, Senior Political Researcher, Al Habtoor Research Centre (AHRC), Egypt.
Mostafa Hamdy Elsaid Ahmed, Senior Political Researcher at the Al Habtoor Research Centre, shared his thoughts: “The networking opportunities at the conference were invaluable, and the interdisciplinary approach to African political economy resonates with my academic and professional goals. I look forward to joining a program that bridges scholarly research with real-world application.”
The MA in Global African Studies at GSU is designed to address some of the most pressing issues in African and African diaspora studies, with tracks in Museum and Critical Heritage Studies, Diplomacy and Africa’s International Relations, and Afro-Arab Relations. Scholars will benefit from a diverse faculty and the opportunity to engage in groundbreaking research across topics such as gender studies, intellectual thought, and diaspora.
Applications for the MA program are open, with the deadline for the Spring intake being November 30, 2024.
Click here for more information about the program and how to apply.
Subscribe to our mailing list and get the latest news from The Africa Institute
