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Reflections on the Third European Students' Conference on African Studies
At the end of August 2024, the Third European Students' Conference on African Studies took place at the University of Basel. In total, 40 young scholars from universities across Europe and Africa - from Poland to Portugal and from South Africa to Ghana - gathered to present their research projects. A narrative report co-authored by the conference organising team Catharina Deeg, Aileen Diewald, Wahab Lawundeh, and Fabian Zesiger reflects on the event.
Given the importance of empowering young scholars to ensure the continuous growth and vitality of academia, the Third European Students' Conference on African Studies (TESCAS) provided an invaluable platform for Master's students to showcase their research, engage in discussions with experts, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration. More than just a space for knowledge exchange, the event became a springboard for shaping the future of African Studies, empowering emerging scholars, strengthening their academic confidence, and encouraging intellectual growth.
The conference that took place on the premises of the Alte Universität in Basel offered participants the chance to present their work across a wide range of themes, such as Politics and Conflict, Health, Youth Participation, Citizenship and Belonging, Decoloniality and Liberation, and Art and Literature. For many, it was their first opportunity to present on an international stage, and they received valuable feedback that refined their ideas and enhanced their research. These experiences were critical, fostering a sense of belonging within the academic community while highlighting the diverse and cutting-edge research driving the field of African Studies forward.
Constructive feedback played a central role in this process. Participants encountered new perspectives and received feedback in a supportive and collegial atmosphere. This constructive critique improved their work and fostered an environment of intellectual and emotional growth—both essential for thriving in academia. The emphasis on open dialogue encouraged scholars to see critique as a growth tool rather than judgment, helping to demystify academic feedback and build resilience.
The conference's interdisciplinary nature was another key factor in its success. With diverse topics covered, participants were encouraged to explore new methodologies and think beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries. This led to rich discussions and new insights, allowing young scholars to envision the potential for cross-disciplinary collaboration in their future work. Networking opportunities played a significant role, helping scholars establish connections for future partnerships while ensuring the representation of diverse voices and perspectives in an inclusive environment.
Engagement with critical debates was another highlight of the conference. Scholars especially focused on decoloniality and the legacies of colonialism, contributing to ongoing discussions about centring African voices in the field. For many young scholars, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, the platform allowed them to challenge dominant paradigms and propose new frameworks for understanding African realities. This engagement was empowering, offering scholars the confidence to question long-standing assumptions and present alternative perspectives.
One of the conference's standout moments was the keynote address by Mercy Hombakazi Nqandeka, titled 'Empowering Voices: Reclaiming African Narratives and Shaping Our Future'. As a Black, indigenous scholar, artist, and writer from South Africa, Nqandeka's presence as a keynote speaker underscored TESCAS's commitment to centering marginalized voices. Her powerful address inspired the audience and emphasized the importance of reclaiming African narratives in academia. By giving space to Nqandeka's unique perspective, the conference succeeded in fostering a deeper appreciation for indigenous knowledge systems and their role in shaping the future of African Studies.
The Role of Young Scholars in the Field of African Studies
The conference theme, 'Young Scholars Driving a Field', emphasized the critical role that young scholars play in shaping this interdisciplinary field, challenging conventional paradigms, and introducing new perspectives.
One of the participants eloquently summarized the spirit of the conference, stating that young scholars contribute by daring to move beyond traditional research themes and asking uncomfortable questions. They embrace uncertainty, which is not a weakness but a strength that allows them to rethink and reevaluate established concepts. 'There is a certain uncertainty in being a young scholar and a feeling of insecurity, which does not automatically need to be referred to as weakness. Much rather, this uncertainty can be seen as strength, that allows us to still rethink and reevaluate certain truths and concepts we once were so sure of'. This courage and intellectual curiosity enable young researchers to engage critically with complex issues, breaking free from academic boundaries that have long defined the study of Africa.
The diversity of experiences among young scholars was another key strength highlighted at the conference. Scholars from various backgrounds shared their unique approaches to African Studies, enriching the field with multiple perspectives. 'Each of us brought our own experiences of studying African Studies, research methods, different approaches to the subject, and shared interesting conclusions with others', noted one attendee. This diversity is one of their greatest strengths, allowing them to explore African issues through various lenses. The collaborative nature of the conference underscored how these varied experiences contribute to the innovation and vitality of African Studies.
A significant theme that emerged during the discussions was the responsibility young scholars feel towards their positionality and the narratives they engage with. 'Our generation is still struggling to emancipate the African countries from the neoliberal narrative that wants the continent to be a mere recipient of international interventions, and our research will finally challenge and prove this wrong', stressed one participant. This commitment to challenging dominant narratives and promoting decolonial approaches is central to the efforts of young researchers who seek to reframe Africa's role in the global context.
The sense of community and recognition fostered by TESCAS was a recurring sentiment among participants. One scholar emphasized, 'Reflecting on the conference, the theme 'Young Scholars Driving a Field' provided an incredible platform for scholars like myself, who are researching issues affecting the African continent, which often overlap with global concerns'. This validation is motivating and crucial in encouraging further contributions to the field.
One participant noted that 'African Studies remains less present in universities in the Global South compared to the Global North. Consequently, as young scholars, we should focus our contribution to African Studies on promoting critical research that addresses both the development of African Studies and the centrality of decoloniality. In particular, we need to examine how dominant Western epistemologies continue to influence the Global South and how they perpetuate reductionist intellectual positions'. This highlights the need for emerging scholars to engage in research that develops the field and challenges the structures that reinforce these reductionist perspectives.
As the conference concluded, one clear message resonated: young scholars are more than just following in the footsteps of their predecessors. They are actively dismantling colonial frameworks and contributing to the intellectual emancipation of African Studies. This mission is both urgent and essential for the future of the field.
The Value of Attending a Students' Conference
As one participant noted, 'attending a student conference gives me the opportunity to share my research findings and receive valuable feedback. The discussions that follow raise important questions, some of which I may not have considered. These insights help me refine and improve my research moving forward'. The conference prides itself on being a platform for exchanging ideas not only for participants to share their findings but also prompts important questions and perspectives that they may not have previously considered by themselves. Such exchange is invaluable in helping students refine and enhance their research, fostering academic growth and contributing to the broader discourse of African Studies.
On another note, skills development, especially in communication and public speaking, is a major value attached to the conference. Presenting ongoing or completed research findings to a mixed audience was seen as one of the major essences of the conference. It allowed students to hone their public speaking and effective communication skills, allowing them to prepare for future academic and professional experiences. 'The value lies in the collective aspect that it was the first time presenting for most of us', one of the participants noted.
'Experiencing what African Studies looks like at different universities, making contacts, learning about other perspectives, paying attention to topics/issues that you haven't heard of before. And broadening horizons, definitely!', noted one of the participants. This suggests how the conference provided a platform for exposure to diverse perspectives. The mobilization of students from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds created the platform for exposure to different perspectives and research approaches, broadening attendees' understanding of various topics.
Building Bridges: Networking beyond the Academia
One of TESCAS's core objectives was to foster meaningful networking opportunities for young scholars in the field of African Studies. Based on participant feedback, the event not only provided formal and informal avenues for interaction but also created lasting connections beyond the academic setting.
A major theme that emerged from the feedback was the ample provision of informal spaces for attendees to connect. Students could build relationships in relaxed environments - whether during coffee breaks, lunches, the conference dinner, or social activities like swimming in the Rhine. One participant remarked: 'I still cannot believe how a small chat on the tram about thrift shopping and shoes can lead to a conversation about Zimbabwean protest theatre in the seminar room, to be then concluded by a talk on swimming while swimming in the Rhine; or, how people at dinner tables started reading their secret poetry, started sharing their innermost feelings; or, how a talk on the Rhine's riverbank on the use of AI in African studies led me to rethink my research topic again.' These moments of spontaneous exchange played a vital role in forging deeper connections that bridged academic discussions and personal experiences.
The social events, particularly the swimming in the Rhine, the city tour hosted by Dr. Veit Arlt as well as the Apero's and the conference dinner, were repeatedly mentioned as highlights. One attendee reflected on how informal moments like these allowed them to connect with others personally, noting that 'the small little moments—such as the swimming in the river or the talks during the food time—were really beautiful'. The shared accommodations also played a crucial role, with another participant sharing how this experience allowed them to build lasting friendships with their roommates. These moments of informal interaction extended well beyond the conference sessions, blending personal enjoyment with professional dialogue.
For many, the identification factor—connecting with like-minded scholars—was a powerful element of the networking experience. The sense of belonging, particularly for students studying African Studies in a European context, was emphasized by several attendees. One participant reflected on how the conference helped mitigate the occasional sense of isolation they experience: 'Sometimes, one can feel a bit isolated or lonely in a European setting studying Africa. However, here, it was absolutely normal'.
The overall feedback was highly positive, and some participants expressed a desire for more time to connect. As one attendee mentioned, 'I tried to spend enough time with all of the other presenters, but time was running so quickly. I felt I wanted more'. This sentiment underscores the value of the connections made and suggests that future conferences might consider extending social and networking opportunities even further.
In conclusion, the networking opportunities at the TESCAS conference were widely appreciated by attendees, both in formal sessions and through informal moments that allowed for deep, meaningful exchanges. Whether it was through spontaneous chats on the tram, swimming in the Rhine, or sharing a meal, TESCAS provided numerous pathways for young scholars to connect, collaborate, and foster relationships that will undoubtedly extend far beyond the two-day conference.
Lessons Learnt
Based on the outcome of the conference, one of the major lessons learnt is to encourage cross-regional participation at future conferences. Future conferences could thrive to actively increase the representation of students from African universities and a wider range of disciplines from outside African Studies, which would enhance the exchange of knowledge and broaden the academic scope of the conference. 'We should have more students from African Universities, and more students from not African Studies settings (someone from anthropology, sociology, political science etc. who just finalized her/his MA thesis on a topic in Africa could learn a lot from being with African Studies students and vice versa)', one of the participants noted.
Funding
This project was made possible through our donors' generous financial support, and we sincerely thank them for enabling us to reach our goals and fulfil our potential. We are particularly grateful to the Swiss Academy of the Social Sciences and Humanities, the Freiwillige Akademische Gesellschaft Basel, the Max Geldner Stiftung, the Swiss Society for African Studies, and the Centre for African Studies at the University of Basel. Their contributions have been vital to the success of TESCAS, and we deeply appreciate their dedication to fostering knowledge exchange among young scholars in the field of African Studies.
Catharina Deeg, Aileen Diewald, Wahab Lawundeh, and Fabian Zesiger
