Repositioning Africa: Power, Policy and Practice in a Disrupted World

Dr Greg Walker welcomes scholars, policymakers, business leaders, entrepreneurs, practitioners and students from Africa, the United Kingdom and the wider international community. He describes the conference theme as timely and significant at a moment of unprecedented global transformation.

His message emphasises the role of leadership, innovation, research and policy in Africa’s sustainable development and growing global influence. It also highlights the University’s commitment to international collaboration, research excellence, knowledge exchange and research with societal impact.

Delegates are encouraged to engage fully in keynote sessions, panel discussions, workshops and networking opportunities, and to use the conference to create ideas, collaborations and practical solutions.

Professor Christian Harrison welcomes delegates to the inaugural AFAS Annual Conference, jointly organised by the Academy for African Studies and the Centre for Leadership and Empowerment. He positions the event as a platform for robust dialogue, critical scholarship, innovative thinking and meaningful collaboration.

His message explains that Africa’s future should be shaped through evidence-based research, collaborative partnerships and inclusive leadership. The three-day programme combines keynote presentations, research-paper sessions, professional-development workshops, panel discussions, networking and the conference dinner.

He acknowledges the keynote speakers, panellists, workshop facilitators, SIG Chairs, reviewers, International Advisory Board, organising committee, volunteers, sponsors, partners and delegates whose contributions made the conference possible.

Dr Kingsley Omeihe describes the conference as the second beginning of the Academy: first an idea, then a gathering that turns the idea into a community. He presents AFAS as an intellectual home for the serious study of Africa, grounded in relevance and fidelity to the continent.

His welcome reflects on a changing global order and Africa’s determination to compose its own account in ideas and ambition. He invites scholars to honour the traditions of academies through questions, conversation, exchange and collaboration.

The message thanks delegates for being present at the founding of the Academy’s annual conference and recognises that an academy lives through its scholars.