Centre for African Studies Basel
With the foundation of the Centre for African Studies Basel in 2001, the University has created a platform for the exchange between disciplines, faculties and institutions. The ZASB coordinates and promotes Africa-related teaching and research at the University of Basel and its partner institutions. It offers a Master and a PhD in African Studies as consecutive university degrees, as well as a continuing education programme for professionals.
Rita Kesselring (University of Basel), Carole Ammann (University of Bern) and Mwenda Ntarangwi (Calvin College) at the conference "Africa and the Academy in the 21st Century" (Basel, 1-2 November 2019), co-organised by ZASB and the Swiss Society for African Studies. Photo: Veit Arlt
Student team at the 7th European Conference on African Studies (ECAS), 29 June to 1 July 2017 in Basel (Mbaraka Matitu)
Welcome address by the President of the University of Basel, Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Andrea Schenker-Wicki, at the 7th European Conference on African Studies (ECAS), 29 June to 1 July in Basel (Simon Bielander)
From 29 June to 1 July 2017, more than 1500 scholars came together at the 7th European Conference on African Studies (ECAS) in Basel (Simon Bielander).
First Windhoek-Basel Winter School, 2017
Basel Summer School in African Studies 2013 (Amadou Adamou)
CAS in African Affairs and Intercultural Competence 2013/14 (Simon Bielander)
The Centre for African Studies at the celebrations for the celebrations of the 550th anniversary of the University of Basel (2010; Foto: Veit Arlt)
inaugural meeting of the Competence Centre Africa (2009)
Brigit Obrist speaks at the inaugural meeting of the Competence Centre Africa (2009; Bild: Ruedi Suter).
Dinner of the joint conference 'Frontiers and Passages' of the African Studies Association in Germany (VAD) and the Swiss Society for African Studies (SGAS/SSEA), Basel and Freiburg im Breisgau, 14-17 May 2008
Yacouba Konaté speaks at the joint conference 'Frontiers and Passages' of the African Studies Association in Germany (VAD) and the Swiss Society for African Studies (SGAS/SSEA), Basel and Freiburg im Breisgau, 14-17 May 2008.
Interdisciplinary Reseach
In 2009 the University further promoted Africa-focused research with the establishment of a Competence Centre. In 2017, in the frame of the University's Africa Strategy, research on, in, with and for Africa became an independent field within the University's focal area "European and Global Studies". Boosted by the University's strong commitment, Basel has become a national and international centre for interdisciplinary African Studies. This development is rooted in a long research tradition in the region of Baesl. Our Centre benefits from a unique concentration of institutions and organisations with relation to Africa. Among our associate members are the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), the Museum of Cultures, Mission 21 and the Basler Afrika Bibliographien (BAB).
Teaching and Advanced Studies
Based on the competences of its members and partners, the ZASB introduced the interdisciplinary MA programme African Studies in 2002. Since 2011, PhD students at the ZASB have, alternatively to a PhD degree in any of the disciplines represented at the Centre, the option to enroll for a PhD degree in interdisciplinary African Studies. Since 2017, the Basel Graduate Network African Studies, which is supported by swissuniversities, offers the frame for the PhD training at the ZASB. In 2013, the ZASB introduced the further education course CAS in African Affairs and Intercultural Competence as an addition to theconsecutive study programmes.
Exchange on National and International Level
The promotion and support of exchange and collaboration with scholars and institutions on a national and international level is a key task of our Centre. We cooperate closely with the Swiss Society for African Studies (SSAS) in the fields of training, academic exchange and publications. The Centre is a member of the Africa-Europe Group of Interdisciplinary Studies (AEGIS) and has a partnership agreement with the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA).
Outreach and Continuing Education
Besides its academic activities, the Centre promotes the exchange between academia and the wider public. Its continuing education programme addresses professionals in private enterprises, public agencies, development cooperation and civil society. In addition, the ZASB reaches out to the public with publications and events for a wider audience and by promoting public and cultural events.