CONCEPT NOTE

Since the turn of the millennium Africa has been experiencing the rapid economic growth particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and there are strong indicators of its continuation. There has also been a global change in the narratives about Africa to that of improved governance resulting in a long period of economic growth, rising incomes and an emerging middle class. These narratives have also been associated with the growing trend of democratisation of African states since the end of the Cold War, comparative peace, greater stability and increase in African consumption and urbanisation. In the decade between 2005 and 2015, for instance, the economy of Africa as a whole increased by 50 per cent in contrast with a world average of 23 per cent. Sub-Saharan Africa is growing strongly and steadily for nearly two decades and showing a remarkable resilience in the face of the global financial crisis and other challenges. More than two-thirds of the countries in the region have enjoyed ten or more years of uninterrupted growth.

This growth has delivered a younger and educated population, with significant declines in infant mortality. Africa is now a growing investment destination for both advanced and emerging economies. While some African economies are challenging old stereotypes and roaring loud as Africa’s lions. This does not mean that there are no challenges. Poverty remains stuck at high levels still afflicting about half of the region’s households. Similarly, inequality remains high. And some countries, still facing recurring internal conflict, are struggling to exit from fragility. Added to this are the challenges of disruption due to the pandemic, climate change and war in Europe. Despite this Africa’s success journey has been truly remarkable. Africa’s leadership has been focusing on transforming Africa into the global powerhouse of the future.

The continent’s strategic framework aims at an inclusive and sustainable development that is a manifestation of the drive for unity, self-determination, freedom, progress and collective prosperity pursued under Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance. Towards this end continents leaders took a Solemn Declaration during the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the formation of the OAU /AU in May 2013. The marked the re-dedication of Africa towards the attainment of the Pan African Vision of ‘An integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens, representing a dynamic force in the international arena’ and Agenda 2063 is the concrete manifestation.

Agenda 2063, for example, was the realisation by African leaders that there was a need to refocus and reprioritize Africa’s agenda from the struggle against Apartheid and the attainment of political independence which had been the focus of the OAU and instead to priorities inclusive social and economic development, continental and regional integration, democratic governance and peace and security amongst other issues aimed at repositioning Africa to becoming a dominant player in the global arena. Africa needs to revise and adapt its development agenda due to ongoing structural transformations; increased peace and reduction in the number of conflicts; renewed economic growth and social progress; the need for people centered development, gender equality and youth empowerment; changing global contexts such as the pandemic and the ICT revolution. A host of projects have been identified as key to accelerating Africa’s economic growth and development as well as promoting common identity by celebrating history and vibrant culture.

It is essential while embarking on these efforts to achieve goals and aspirations, there is a need to interrogate the past and not lose sight of the trials and tribulations that the continent experienced in reaching this stage. Neither should the fellow travelers and partners be forgotten. India has been one such constant partner in all these endeavours of Africa. India as an emerging global economic power provides ample opportunities for collaboration and partnership in multiple spheres with Africa. Also, the existing Diasporic linkages, helps to enhance and strengthen this engagement between India and Africa. There is a constant collective need to look back and based on the wisdom of the past think, hope of the present and shape the promise of the future.

An annual conference has been planned to reflect on these issues of the past as well as those emerging under globalization. The panel proposal and paper proposal are invited on the sub-themes but not just confined to them.

• Inclusive and sustainable development
• Challenges of food security and climate change
• Peace and security challenges
• Challenges of regional integration
• Migration and Diaspora trends
• Diasporas within Africa    
• Africa’s global engagement: new configurations
• India's engagement with Africa: state, region and continental level
• Investment opportunities: future avenues
• Energy resources in Africa
• Revisiting the past: anthropological trends in Africa
• Indigenous knowledge systems and patterns
• Social changes and gender issues
• Literature, films and arts in Africa