Amplifying the Africa Voices for Strategic Action – (AFSA) Conference

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

The African Centre for the Study of the United States (ACSUS) at Wits University, South Africa is partnering with Strathmore University, Kenya, and the International Relations of Kenya (IRSK), to host the “Amplifying the Africa Voices for Strategic Action- (AFSA)” conference on 31 October – 01 November 2024. The conference will be held at the Strathmore University in Nairobi, Kenya. The conference forms part of an initiative to explore in more detail several of the main areas of global power competition in Africa. It seeks to address the challenge Africa faces as the global powers escalate and refine their strategies toward the continent across political, economic, and cultural themes and sectors. Undoubtedly, the escalating interest of various global powers in Africa reflects the continent’s increasing significance on the world stage. This trend is underscored by a series of recent summits involving Africa, with more on the horizon as these countries entrench their positions in Africa. In all this, African states are treated as norm takers rather than norm setters, agenda-takers rather than agenda-setters. Rather than merely complaining, the conference will propose strategies and initiatives to ensure African countries and stakeholders take agency in charting self-interested positions towards the global powers. The conference will thus bring together participants from various fields, including policymakers, academics, media practitioners, civil society activists, think tanks, business people, among others.