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Welcome to the Institute for African Studies

IAfS is an interdisciplinary hub housed within the Elliott School of International Affairs that connects students, faculty, and researchers who share an interest in Africa and provides a platform for robust and inclusive discussion on African and its place in the global affairs.

 

Our Purpose is to deepen public and scholarly knowledge of Africa and create opportunities for students, scholars, policymakers, and practitioners from a broad spectrum of disciplines to learn, research and share knowledge related to Africa.

Welcome to the Institute for African Studies

IAfS is an interdisciplinary hub housed within the Elliott School of International Affairs that connects students, faculty, and researchers who share an interest in Africa and provides a platform for robust and inclusive discussion on African and its place in the global affairs.

 

Our Purpose is to deepen public and scholarly knowledge of Africa and create opportunities for students, scholars, policymakers, and practitioners from a broad spectrum of disciplines to learn, research and share knowledge related to Africa.

INSTITUTE SPOTLIGHT

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Upcoming Event

 

 

The 2025 Bridges Institute Annual Lecture

With John Githongo, Democracy and Anti-Corruption Activist

Thursday, February 27, 2025 | 5:30–6:30 p.m. ET | Reception to Follow

Elliott School of International Affairs | Lindner Family Commons (6th Floor)
1957 E St NW |  Washington DC 20052

Join IAfS and the Elliott School for the 2025 Vivian Lower-Derryck Bridges Institute Annual Africa Lecture, with keynote speaker Kenyan journalist and anti-corruption activist John Githongo. Publisher of The Elephant and chair of Transparency International’s International Council, Githongo is a leading anti-corruption expert,  recognized by Foreign Affairs Magazine as one of the world’s the top 100  global thinkers. Elliott School Dean Alyssa Ayres will provide opening remarks and IAfS Director Jennifer Cooke will moderate. A reception will follow.

Register
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Welcome to the IAfS community! We hope you will join us in supporting research, dialogue, teaching, and exchange to deepen our understanding of Africa. We aim to inspire and inform an up-and-coming generation to further explore the complexity, diversity, and dynamism of the continent and its importance in the study of global affairs.

Jennifer Cooke

Director, Institute for African Studies

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PAST EVENTS

Science Diplomacy & Partnership in Africa

 
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the vital importance of building strong and enduring partnerships in science and research, based on trust, transparency, and communication. Join us for this half-day conference on how best to expand partnerships between U.S. and African scientists, health professionals, and research institutes through a more robust science diplomacy agenda, as matter of mutual interest and global benefit. With keynote speaker, CDC Africa Director Dr. John Nkengasong.
Event Page
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IAfS Moments

Jennifer Cooke Remembering Biafra
#Into Africa: Live @IAfS
Panelist speaks holding another panelist's hand at How Women Saved Rwanda event
left - Jennifer Cooke, center - Ambassador Tibor Nagy (Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs), right - Amb. Reuben E. Brigety (Dean, Elliott School of Intl. Affairs)
Yali Expo
Women speaks into microphone at How Women Saved Rwanda event
ISO World tour
Panel discussion at How Women Saved Rwanda event
Shirley Graham speaking at How Women Saved Rwanda event
Panelist speaking at How Women Saved Rwanda event
Panelists speaking at How Women Saved Rwanda event
Student asking question at How Women Saved Rwanda event
Audience question at How Women Saved Rwanda event
Jennifer Cooke speaking at How Women Saved Rwanda event
Panelist speaks at How Women Saved Rwanda event
Two women hug at How Women Saved Rwanda event
Jennifer Cooke addresses panelists at How Women Saved Rwanda event
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