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ANU Africa Network
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This website was established in 2013 by David Lucas, and renovated and relaunched in 2020 as part of a project to increase awareness of Africa and African studies in the ANU and the ACT, funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Another outcome of that project was a major research report, published in August 2021, African Studies at the Australian National University and in the Australian Capital Territory, analyzing the past, present and future of the study of Africa at the Australian National University and the wider Australian University sector.
The major innovation on this updated website is the creation of the ACT Africa Expert Directory which lists experts on Africa from institutions around the ACT, primarily the ANU. We will continue to curate this list, offering a key resource for media, government and non-government organizations seeking expert facts and opinions on Africa. Individuals can request to be added to the list by contacting the website managers.
Another notable addition is the expanded directory of PhD theses on Africa produced in the territory’s universities, a solid measure of the vitality of the study of Africa in the city of Canberra.
Reviewing these directories, it is revealing to note that the vast majority of research on Africa is produced by disciplinary experts (environmental scientists, economists, demographers, etc.) rather than area studies experts. This means that the study of Africa is woven into the fabric of the research culture of the ANU and the ACT’s other universities in ways that are not necessarily apparent.
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Background
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This is background information for the resumption of the Reading Group on the 12th August. See the post at https://africanetwork.weblogs.anu.edu.au/wp-admin/post.php?post=10310&action=edit
Basically generally Africa at the ANU has gone backwards over the past decade
The quote below is from the AAUN Annual Report
(see https://aaun.edu.au/annual-reports/ )
‘Australia Africa Conference 2014 July 15-16 2014.
The Australia Africa Conference 2014 was held at the Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University, with the theme “Promoting Strategic Engagement and Partnership between Government, Academic and Business.” It was jointly hosted by the African Diplomatic Corps in Canberra, the Australia Africa Universities Network (AAUN), the Australia Africa Business Council (NSW and ACT chapters) and the Crawford School at the Australian National University. More than 150 participants attended, including representatives from government and business in both Australia and Africa.’Looking at the hosts (in bold above) in reverse order:
The Crawford School. The 2014 conference was the last conference when the ANU received financial support from AusAID (now DFAT). The Crawford School was unable to provide a convenor in 2015.
Another funding source for functions was PARSA which no longer exists.
The Australia Africa Business Council (NSW and ACT chapters)
These Chapters no longer exist
African Diplomatic Corps in Canberra
There are 16 African missions in Canberra (see https://africanetwork.weblogs.anu.edu.au/diplomacy/ ) Visits by ANUASA (ANU African Students’ Association) to these missions have ceased. ANUASA no longer functions.\ TIn the past the ANU has benefited from the Head of Missions, for example the previous High Commissioner of Kenya, His Excellency Mr. Isaiya Kabira, formerly the Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps.
The ANU no longer holds a lunch for African Heads of Missions.
Australia Africa Universities Network (AAUN). The AAUN is not a member of the AAUN, and filled the gap created by the lack of interest by the Crawford School in 2015. However, the ANU will be co-hosting the AAUN Annual Forum in October, and will be sponsoring part of the program. See
https://aaun.edu.au/2022/01/aaun-annual-australia-forum-and-agm-2021-2/
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Atem Atem on the South Sudanese in Sydney
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Congratulations to Atem Atem whose Phd thesis is now available on the ANU Open Research repository.
Access the thesis using this link: https://hdl.handle.net/1885/267266The title of his work is:
In the Search for the Good Life: Settlement Experiences of South Sudanese Families in Western Sydney
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Reading Group Resumes
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From Ernest Akuamoah
‘Hi all,
After a long break, the ANU’s African Studies Reading Group resumes with its first meeting dubbed “Meet and Greet”. The goal is to bring together researchers across various academic disciplines and others with an interest in Africa, to engage in exchanging ideas and networking.
In line with this, we will have David Lucas leading a discussion on the future of Africa at the ANU while Adegboyega Adenarin will talk briefly about the importance of networking. It’s our hope that this interaction will result in future collaborations and mentoring.
This initial meeting will also consider plans for this semester. Tentatively future meetings are planned for the second Friday of each month (more details will be provided soon).
There will be light refreshments and tea, coffee and soft drinks, at the beginning and during the meeting.
Looking forward to seeing you all. Feel free to invite others.
Date and Time: Friday August 12 4:30-6PM
Presentation: Room 2.56, RSSS Building, ANU, 146 Ellery Crescent, Acton
Inquiries to: ernest.akuamoah@anu.edu.au or 0499347397
Transport and Parking: Pay Parking until 5pm is required for those who don’t have ANU parking permits.
One convenient option is the Baldessin Parking station: walk down to Ellery Crescent. https://www.anu.edu.au/files/advisory/ANU%20Campus%20Map%202019.pdf
Best wishes,
Ernest