About Us
The Oxford Africa Conference is the leading interdisciplinary conference on Africa delivered by a team of Oxford students. The Conference brings together heads of state, policymakers, business leaders, academics, artists, students, and professionals to critically expand the discourse on Africa. In its eighth year running, the conference will provide a vibrant platform for new thinking about a global Africa across all disciplines – politics, society, business, technology and academia – connecting inter-generational leaders from around the world to shape an integrated and innovative perspective on Africa’s future.
2017 CONFERENCE
2019 CONFERENCE
Join us (again) this year on 17 and 18 May 2019 at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford for another promising conference.
About
ENOUGH RHETORIC!
Catalyzing an Era of Concrete Action
Many an African countries have been subjected to blame for development, democratization and economic policies that fall short in their implementation process, which arises from an array of reasons. Our hope is that by discussing and delivering actionable approaches to tackling issues within Africa, Conference attendees will be able to contribute in meaningful ways as to how to fast track progress.
The 2018 Oxford Africa Conference aims to examine the current social, political and economic landscape in Africa and provoke more pragmatic ways through which African countries can reposition themselves in relation to these dimensions. The Conference will focus on how to move beyond the rhetoric and bring to the fore contentious organizational, structural and societal issues that are rarely addressed adequately, but collectively are key for the continent’s forward trajectory. Intentionally daring, the theme aims to ensure that the 2018 conference is actionable.
In the spirit of concrete action, the key resolutions of the Conference will be collated and passed on to key decision makers in African institutions such as the African Union (AU) and key regional blocks mainly as Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and East African Community (EAC). In addition, credible think tanks, civil society organisations, and public-private platforms across the continent will be invited to mobilise thought and resources towards solidifying the Conference outcomes. The Oxford Africa Conference invites you to join us on May 18th-19th 2018.
#OxAfrica18
Speakers
2018 Pre-Engagement Keynote Speaker
H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo
Nikiwe Bikitsha
2018 Innovation Fair Keynote Speaker
C.D. Glin
2018 Conference Keynote Speakers
Georgina Wood
Amina J. Mohammed
Madame Monica Geingos
Linda Mabhena-Olagunju
2018 Panelists
Session: Curbing Unconstitutional changes of Government through Constitutionalism & Citizen Movements
Jason Brickhill
Dr. Thompson Chengeta
Rose Wachuka
Moctar Kane
Session: Building our own African Brands from the ground up through Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Moshopyadi Heil
Ally Angula
Moses Kanduri
Zuweina Farah
Thula Sindi
Beryl Agyekum
Session: Feminism in Africa – Challenges and Prospects to truly empowering Africa’s women
Natasha Kimani
Mbalenhle Matandela
Mandipa Ndlovu
Amina Mama
Session: A Disruptive Digital Revolution – utilizing emerging alternative technologies to tackle Africa’s challenges
Chika Eze
Alice Newton-Rex
Michelle Chivunga Nsanzumuco
Ibrahima Soumano
Session: Not too Young to Lead – A new generation of Leaders in Party Politics and Elected Public Office
Zuwa Matondo
Nana Ama Dokua
Tebogo Thothela
Fadzayi Mahere
Session: Shaping an Inclusive Business Landscape: Foreign Direct Investment for Social Progress & Innovation
Edna Addo
He Liehui
C.D. Glin
Madame Monica Geingos
Session: “____” is (un)African. Lifting the rug on LGBTIAQ+ Identity
Tonny Brian Mungai
Neville Gabriel
Wanja Muguongo
Jonny Steinberg
Workshop Session: Fast tracking Universal Health coverage – Innovations for Delivery
Dr Tinashe Chandauka
Dr Efosa Edobor
Workshop Session: Rethinking Education – Skills Development for Employment, Research and Innovation
Dr David Johnson
Workshop Session: Equipping the Individual Actor: Unleashing Creative and Innovative Potential for Impact
Dionne Wilson
Session: Addressing Mental Health – Africa’s Invisible Epidemic
Kirsten Rowe
Dr. Sivuyile Madikana
Fr Valentine Erhahon
Dr. Ethel Nakimuli-Mpungu
Session: African Art & Media – Its role in entertainment and public expressions on social and cultural issues
Yasmin Ahmed
Enuma Okoro
Anita Erskine
Ndumiso Mngomezulu
Luis Munana
Session: Adapting to Climate Change in Africa – Tackling Financing, Collaboration, Energy Production & Job Creation for resilient development
Simphiwe Laura Stewart
Shah Jahan Khandokar
Clint Bartlett
Linda Mabhena-Olagunju
Simon Collings
Registration
The Oxford Africa Conference 2018 will be held on May 18th and 19th at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford.
REGISTRATION FOR 2018 IS OPEN! GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!
BUY YOUR TICKET(S) HERE NOW!
Innovation Fair
Each year, the Oxford Africa Innovation Fair brings together entrepreneurs and innovators
tackling challenges in Africa. They participate in networking sessions and a pitch competition for a chance to win cash prizes to further their impact. The 2018 Oxford Africa Innovation Fair is sponsored by the United States African Development Foundation ( USADF)
The U.S. African Development Foundation (“USADF”) is an independent federal government agency established to support African-led development that grows community enterprises by providing seed capital and access to technical support. Partnering with Africans, USADF is answering the development demands from communities one partnership at a time.
2018 Innovation Fair Candidates
MAJIK WATER, KENYA
Harvesting clean drinking water from air in arid and semi-arid areas in Kenya. We have developed a prototype that harvests 10 litres of water in 24 hours in relative humidity of 55%. It uses solar thermal energy and sponge-like desiccant materials to generate water at a low cost, in an energy efficient way.
ECOACT, TANZANIA
Develop a chemical free, energy conserving plastic technology to recycle and transform plastic garbage and packaging materials into durable plastic timbers using unique technology. Plastic timbers are an affordable alternative to wood timbers. They reduce the need for building material manufactured from wood.
UTIVA, NIGERIA
Utiva is solving the problem of unemployment in Sub-Saharan Africa by helping college students and recent graduates acquire relevant skills that employers globally are recruiting for. Our goal is to make sure each graduate is fit for the job market. We are also helping companies in Nigeria access well-trained and high-performing global intrapreneurs and employees.
ZAACOAL, GHANA
Zaacoal is a clean-high energy and long burning (charcoal) made from waste (coconut waste). Uses prevalent, organic coconut husks to create charcoal for household and professional cooking. Packaged in biodegradable, accessible bags to accommodate all personal and business requirements as well as economic limitations. Addresses numerous environmental concerns while burning more efficiently than its alternatives.
GRAINOTHEQUE, IVORY COAST
Grainothèque is a social enterprise that works to increase the productivity of smallholder agriculture and its adaptation to climate change through mobile technologies for preserving seed genetic diversity, integrated pest management, and the valorization of crops, agricultural waste for degraded soils and markets for produce to farmers.
BYOONA HELP GROUP, UGANDA
Byoona help group is both a mobile and stationary mental clinic designed to walk with the young (youth and teenagers) in the journey of mental health. Build a society of healing for mental health using art, training and awareness. They aim at using counselling and mentorship to help youth deal with day to day mental issues.
Programme
Pre-Engagement: Friday, May 11
Venue: Said Business School
| TIME | EVENT |
| 17:00– 19:00 | Conference Pre-Engagement Keynote Address by H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo(Read full details here) |
Day 1: Friday, May 18
Venue: Blavatnik School of Government
| TIME | EVENT |
| 13:30– 14:30 | Registration plus Tea/Coffee (at Blavatnik School of Government) |
| 14:30 – 14:55 | Welcoming Remarks
|
| 15:00 – 15:15 | Opening Keynote Address |
| 15:15 -15:55 | Keynote Conversation and Q & A
The Death of Ideology – Moving beyond Rhetoric to Action and what really works for Africa. |
| 16:00 – 16:20 | Innovation Fair Keynote |
| 16:20 – 17:00 | Presentations by Innovation Fair Finalists |
| 17:00 – 17:15 | Closing Remarks and Announcements |
| 17:15 – 19:00 | Free Time |
| 19:00 – 19:30 | Mix and Mingle (at Rhodes House) |
| 19:30 – 22:00 | Gala Dinner (at Rhodes House) |
| 19:40 – 19:45 | Welcoming Remarks to Gala |
| 20:00 – 22:00 | Dinner (Dress Code: Traditional or Business Attire) |
| 21:45 – 22:00 | Gala Keynote Address |
Day 2 Saturday, May 19
Venue: Blavatnik School of Government
| TIME | EVENT | |||
| 8:30 – 8:50 | Registration and Tea/Coffee (at Blavatnik School of Government) | |||
| 9:00 – 9:10 | Welcoming Remarks to Day 2 | |||
| 9:10 – 9:30 | Opening Keynote Address | |||
| 9:30 – 10:15 | Keynote Conversation and Q & A | |||
| 10:15 – 10:35 | Mid-Morning Tea/Coffee Break | |||
| 10:35 – 11:35 | Session 1 Curbing Unconstitutional changes of Government through Constitutionalism & Citizen Movements |
Session 2 Building our own African Brands from the ground up through Innovation & Entrepreneurship |
Session 3 Feminism in Africa- Challenges and Prospects to truly empowering Africa’s women |
Session 4 A Disruptive Digital Revolution – utilizing emerging alternative technologies to tackle Africa’s challenges |
| 11:40 – 12:40 | Session 1 Not too Young to Lead – A new generation of Leaders in Party Politics and Elected Public Office |
Session 2 Shaping an Inclusive Business Landscape: Foreign Direct Investment for Social Progress & Innovation |
Session 3 “____” is (un)African.Lifting the rug on LGBTIAQ+ Identity |
|
| 12:40 – 13:45 | LUNCH | |||
| 13:50 – 14:55
Beyond the Rhetoric Workshop Sessions |
Workshop 1 Fast tracking Universal Health coverage – Innovations for Delivery |
Workshop 2 Rethinking Education – Skills Development for Employment, Research and Innovation |
Workshop 3 Equipping the Individual Actor: Unleashing Creative and Innovative Potential for Impact |
|
| 15:00 – 16:00 | Session 1 Addressing Mental Health – Africa’s Invisible Epidemic |
Session 2 African Art & Media – Its role in entertainment and public expressions on social and cultural issues |
Session 3 Adapting to Climate Change in Africa – Tackling Financing, Collaboration, Energy Production & Job Creation for resilient development |
|
| 16:00 – 16:15 | Afternoon Tea/Coffee Break | |||
| 16:15 – 16:30 | Innovation Competition Award Announcement | |||
| 16:35 – 16:55 | Raufu Mustapha Keynote Address
|
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| 16:55 – 17:30 | Keynote Conversation and Q & A
|
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| 17:35 – 17:45 | Vote of Thanks, Beyond the Rhetoric ways forward, details of After Party | |||
| 17:45 – 19:00 | Networking Hour | |||
| 20:00 | After Party (at Freud) | |||
Our Partners and Sponsors
