Disclaimer: For in-person events we operate a policy of overbooking, given drop-out rates. Please ensure you arrive in good time to avoid disappointment on the day.

This is a hybrid event. Please register for in-person attendance, or join this event online.

This event is supported by the Cluster of Research Excellence on Interdisciplinary Peace and the Cluster of Research Excellence on Creative Economies. Africa’s role in actively shaping the global ecosystem of academic knowledge production is a major area where the continent’s agency is urgently needed.

At the moment, Africa plays a marginal role in the global science and research ecosystem. This marginal role is the outcome of multiple interrelated factors, including the legacies of colonisation, limited investment in research, development and higher education, and the continued cycles of socio-economic and political crises. One clear manifestation of this peripheral role is the negligible number of scientific publications from African countries and by African researchers based in African research institutions. Several efforts, broadly categorised as ‘equitable partnerships’, sought to address Africa’s marginal role.

So far, the success has been less impressive. Policies and practices that adopt a minimalist approach to a more substantive problem only reinforce the problem rather than resolve it. The Africa Charter for Transformative Research Collaborations offers an Africa-centred conceptualisation for understanding the problem and designing transformative interventions. 

The Africa Charter approaches the problem through a lens of multiple layers of power imbalances. A deeper examination of each layer is as important as understanding their inherently intertwined nature.

Overall objective: to contribute to envisioning Africa’s agency within the global ecosystem of academic knowledge production through transformative collaborations. Participants of the workshop will:

• Contribute to a critical understanding of current debates, policy frameworks and practices in ‘equitable partnerships’
• Develop a deeper understanding of the Africa Charter for transformative research collaborations
• Participate in a reflexive exercise to develop critical insights and practices for transformative research collaborations. 

Refreshments will be provided.

Workshop Facilitator: Eyob Balcha Gebremariam, PhD Welcome and introduction: Dr. Gloriana Rodríguez Álvarez

About King's Africa Week

Hosted by the African Leadership Centre and Africa research group, Africa Week is an annual celebration of research, education and outreach activities on Africa.

King's Africa Week brings together academics, researchers and students from across King's – and offers the opportunity to hear from African scholars, leaders and thinkers. It also showcases King's collaboration with African universities and partners.

Find out more about Africa Week

African cuisine at King's Food

Explore the diverse flavours from the African continent through a specially curated lunch menu featuring traditional dishes and desserts in celebration of Africa Week 2026. Visit any King's Food outlet during lunch service on Tuesday March 3 to savour these distinctive flavours and celebrate the continent's rich culinary tradition.

Find a King's Food outlet