From 24 to 26 August the Centre hosts the joint conference of the Swiss Society for African Studies and the German Association for African Studies. The partnership with MEA allows for two important and attractive additions to the conference program.

On 25 August 2026 and as part of the pre-conference program, the Emerging Leaders Forum organised by the MEA Institute for Strategic Studies spotlights the voices of emerging leaders and fosters intergenerational dialogue on the future of global policy and development. The Forum targets graduates and young professionals but also students.

From 24 to 26 August 2026, the MEA Institute contributes three dedicated Dialogue Sessions, designed to facilitate direct engagement between policymakers, stakeholders, and experts.

The Forum and Dialogue Sessions are a premier platform for access, influence, and collaboration, offering participants:

• Exclusive access to high-level discussions and cutting-edge research insights
• Direct engagement with leading experts, policymakers, and peers
• Unique networking opportunities through curated side events
• Exposure to emerging African perspectives shaping global discourse

Through its multi-stakeholder format, the Forum and Dialogue Sessions aim to bridge the gap between academia, policy, and practice while amplifying African perspectives in global conversations. We look forward to bringing together leading voices in Basel in August to shape forward-looking conversations on Africa’s role in global transformation.

This collaboration marks a strengthened commitment to advancing African Studies and fostering interdisciplinary dialogue between academia, policy, and practice across Europe and Africa.

About the MEA Institute

The MEA (Middle East & Africa) Institute for Strategic Studies is an independent, youth-led think tank focused on the Middle East and Africa. The Institute produces rigorous, evidence-based research through an intergenerational and cross-regional analytical lens. More than a research institution, the MEA Institute serves as a multidimensional platform for rethinking how the Middle East and Africa are understood and engaged globally. Operating at the intersection of research and engagement, the Institute contributes to public discourse while supporting more informed, forward-looking decision-making.