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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

 

A Conversation with Nobel Peace Prize Laureate President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf:

Inaugural Bridges Institute Africa Lecture

Wednesday, February 28 | 6:00–7:00 p.m. ET |

GW School of Media and Public Affairs | Jack Morton Auditorium
805 21st St NW |  Washington DC 20052

Join IAfS and the Elliott School of International Affairs for this address with former Liberian President Madame Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first democratically elected female head of state; Nobel Peace Laureate; a leading promoter of peace, justice, and democratic rule; a voice for freedom; and tireless advocate of for women in public service leadership.

Upcoming Event

 

Urban Expansion & the Future of Cities

The 8th Urbanization & Poverty Reduction Research Conference

March 7 & 8 | 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ET |

World Bank Headquarters

1818 H St NW | Washington DC 20433

IAfS joins the Institute for International Economic Policy and Elliott School of International Affairs, the World Bank, the International Growth Center, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation to co-sponsor this year’s Urbanization & Poverty Reduction Research Conference. Cities in some developing countries are growing at faster rates and at lower income levels than those in developed countries. If well-managed, urban expansion and densification can bring economic growth and poverty reduction opportunities. If poorly managed, the result can be congested, unsustainable, and unproductive environments. This conference will draw from experts at the interface of policy and research to explore new ideas, methods, and collaborations to bring about positive change.

Student Highlight

 

 

Elliott School Students Travel to Senegal for Short-Term Abroad Course

Foreign Influence in Senegal: Exploring the Effects and Senegalese Perceptions

Sixteen Elliott School students travelled to Senegal over the winter break, for a short-term course exploring how competition for influence by external powers–France, the United States, Russia, China, and Turkey, for example–is viewed by the Senegalese people. Led by Matthew Kirwin, professorial lecturer and division chief at the U.S. State Department, the group spent time in the capital city of Dakar, Touba, and St. Louis, for a mix of lectures, focus groups, and cultural visits. “This short-term abroad experience has completely reshaped my perspective on international affairs,” wrote undergraduate Lizzie Jensen on the group’s Instagram page.

Read more in the GW Hatchet

News from the Institute

 

 

New Endowment Supports Lecture Series on U.S.-Africa Engagement

The Elliott School of International Affairs has received an endowment gift to support a new lecture series on U.S.-Africa engagement–the Bridges Institute Vivian Lowery Derryck Africa Lecture Series–as well as convenings of the Africa Policy Group whose members include former diplomats, civil society leaders, and private sector representatives. The gift was spearheaded by incoming Elliott School board member Vivian Lowery Derryck, founder and president emerita of the Bridges Institute. The lecture series will be launched in Fall 2023.

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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.
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IAfS Moments