African Dynamics

While globalisation has been part of the academic discourse for a long time, current debates on climate change, migration streams, resource scarcity and security, etc. highlights the complexities involved to create a ‘World We Want’. It has become untenable to consider one area of the globe less important or more marginal than another, and in this light Africa is an extremely important continent with extraordinary challenges and tremendous opportunities.

Home to more than 1.4 billion people, the world’s second-largest continent with 54 sovereign states is exceptionally diverse in terms of population, equity, growth, natural environment and resources. Projections indicate that the African population will double in the next 30 years with more than half of the people living in urbanised environments. Sixty-five percent of the population is below the age of 35, which is the largest concentration of young people in the world. The growing demand for food, water, energy, land, infrastructure, health services, education, jobs, etc. can be powerful drivers of growth, but also present severe social, economic and environmental threats.

In this unique collaboration between Leiden University, Delft University of Technology and Erasmus University Rotterdam and building on the goals set in the African Union Agenda 2063 the United Nations Agenda 2030, this multidisciplinary minor fosters a deeper understanding of integrated and sustainable approaches in Africa. Separate modules offered by leading Africanists, depict the continent from different perspectives and expose students to expertise in diverse fields with an emphasis on how Africans themselves view their continent and the world. Students from separate disciplines combine their knowledge in exploring the challenges and opportunities that the continent presents. During seminars, discussions, debates, group work, as well as virtual exchanges, innovative education and collaborative learning strategies encourage independent learning and the co-creation of knowledge.

The minor requires full time commitment, is presented in English and serves as a pre-master for the masters in African Studies at Leiden University.

Enroll for this minor via EduXchange and submit the Background and Commitment Form