Oxford University Africa Society

28/05/2026

Panel Reflections from the Oxford Africa Conference 2026 🔵

As we continue reflecting on the conversations that shaped the Oxford Africa Conference 2026, we’re revisiting the ideas, questions, and perspectives that defined this year’s convening.

Sponsored by the Chandler Foundation, Institutions & Anchored Leadership: Realities of Governance in Africa explored the practical realities of governance across the continent, focusing on how leadership is exercised in complex political, economic, and institutional contexts.

Featuring Leslie Tsai, Director of Integrity Programs at the Chandler Foundation; Beauty Emefa Narteh, Executive Secretary of the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC); and Hopewell Chin'ono, Independent Journalist & Documentary Filmmaker, with moderation by Muziwethu Y. Ndlovu, MSc (African Studies) Student, University of Oxford & Oxford Africa Conference Fundraising Lead.

From institutional integrity and anti-corruption efforts to accountability, civic leadership, and the role of independent journalism in democratic governance, the discussion examined what grounded and effective leadership requires in moments of political and institutional strain across the continent.

Thank you to our moderator and distinguished panellists for contributing to such a thoughtful and important conversation.

28/05/2026

Panel Reflections from the Oxford Africa Conference 2026 🔵

As we continue reflecting on the conversations that shaped the Oxford Africa Conference 2026, we’re revisiting the ideas, questions, and perspectives that defined this year’s convening.

Powering Africa’s Energy Future explored how African countries are navigating the urgent challenge of expanding energy access while advancing industrialisation, climate resilience, and long-term energy security.

Featuring Riad Meddeb, Head of Decarbonization & Sustainable Energy at the United Nations Development Programme; Dr Rose M. Mutiso, Ph.D., Founder & Executive Director of the African Tech Futures Lab; Shaun Githuku, Co-Head of Business Development at Gridworks; and Shakwa Nyambe, President of the Association of International Energy Negotiators & Managing Partner at SNC Incorporated, with moderation by Haruna (Haroun) Inuwa Inuwa, PhD Candidate in Energy Systems at the University of Oxford.

From grid infrastructure and sustainable energy finance to technological innovation, regional integration, and the realities of implementing equitable energy transitions, the discussion examined what it will take to build resilient and inclusive energy systems across the continent.

Thank you to our distinguished panellists for contributing to such a thoughtful and forward-looking exchange.

27/05/2026

Panel Reflections from the Oxford Africa Conference 2026 🔵

As we continue reflecting on the conversations that shaped the Oxford Africa Conference 2026, we’re revisiting the ideas, questions, and perspectives that defined this year’s convening.

Building Africa’s Technological Future: When Technology Meets Transformation explored how Africa can build the engineering talent, technological capabilities, and capital frameworks needed to power meaningful digital transformation across the continent.

Featuring Sir John Lazar, Co-Founder & Partner at Enza Capital and President of the Royal Academy of Engineering; Ahmed El Beheiry, Executive Vice President, Group COO and Group Chief Tech & AI Officer at Cassava Technologies; and Nathan Nwachuku, CEO & Founder of Terra Industries, with moderation by Dr Watu Wamae PhD Econ, Head of Innovation at Africa Oxford Initiativehe Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx).

From AI and digital infrastructure to engineering ecosystems, capital mobilisation, and the practical realities of scaling technology on the continent, the discussion examined what it will take to build African-led technological transformation at scale.

Thank you to our distinguished panellists for contributing to such a thoughtful and forward-looking exchange.

26/05/2026

Panel Reflections from the Oxford Africa Conference 2026 🔵

As continue reflecting on the conversations that shaped the Oxford Africa Conference 2026, we’re revisiting the ideas, questions, and perspectives that defined this year’s convening.

Engines of Growth: Africa’s Next Economic Era brought together senior leaders across finance, logistics, trade, mining, and industry to explore what competitiveness, resilience, and growth look like for African businesses in an increasingly complex global environment.

Featuring Kwasi Ampofo, Head of Metals & Mining at BloombergNEF; Kweku A. Awotwi, Board Chairman of United Bank for Africa (Ghana); Hennie Heymans, CEO of DHL Sub-Saharan Africa; and Dr Alhaji Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Controller General of the Nigeria Customs Service and Chairperson of the World Customs Organization, with moderation by Professor Stefan Dercon, Professor of Economic Policy & Director of the Centre for the Centre for the Study of African Economies, University of Oxford.

From trade and supply chains to customs systems, investment climates, and the role of public leadership in enabling private sector growth, the discussion offered valuable insights into the structural conditions needed for African enterprise to thrive in a changing global economy.

Thank you to our moderator and distinguished panellists for contributing to such a thoughtful exchange.

22/05/2026

21/05/2026

That’s a wrap on ✨🌍

Day 2 brought the Oxford Africa Conference 2026 to a close with powerful conversations, bold ideas, and meaningful connections across leadership, business, policy, innovation, and culture.
The day was headlined by a keynote from His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, setting the tone for a day of thoughtful discussion on governance, leadership, investment, entrepreneurship, and Africa’s place in a rapidly changing world.

From candid ministerial conversations and high-level leadership reflections to founders, investors, creatives, and emerging changemakers, today was a reminder of the depth of talent, ambition, and leadership shaping the continent’s future.
Thank you to our extraordinary speakers, partners, volunteers, delegates, and everyone who made the 16th edition of the Oxford Africa Conference such a success. It has been a privilege to convene this space.

20/05/2026

15/05/2026

NARRATING AFRICA — PANEL SPOTLIGHT 🎨🎬🌍

At this year's Oxford Africa Conference, we are proud to host a vibrant Arts, Media & Culture panel on Narrating Africa: Arts, Global Influence and the Creative Economy.

Moderated by Nadia Hassan, Visual Storyteller & MBA Candidate at Saïd Business School, this panel explores how Africa's creative industries are shaping global narratives while driving economic opportunity across the continent.

Our panellists:
- Dr King SMADE — Founder, SMADE Entertainment Group; Co-Founder, Afro Nation;
- Peace Hyde — Creator and Executive Producer, Young, Famous and African;
- Michelle Adepoju — Founder, Kilentar;
- Anthony Azekwoh — Digital Artist & Author.

📅 16–17 May 2026 | Andrew Wiles Building, University of Oxford

Click for full speaker list: https://lnkd.in/eFJd943h

Stay tuned as we continue to convene bold conversations shaping Africa's future.

15/05/2026

🎤 Introducing our MCs for the Oxford Africa Conference 2026.

- Ayomikun Ayodeji 🇳🇬 (MBA, MSc)
- Sagel Julia Kundieko 🇨🇩 (DPhil).

Join us at the Andrew Wiles Building, University of Oxford, from 16–17 May for OAC 2026 under the theme: Anchoring Africa: Grounded Leadership in the Age of Disruption. We will be hitting the ground running with registration at 9am!

14/05/2026

INSTITUTIONS & ANCHORED LEADERSHIP — PANEL SPOTLIGHT 🏛️🌍

At this year's Oxford Africa Conference, we are proud to host a vital Governance in Africa panel on Institutions & Anchored Leadership: Realities of Governance in Africa.

Moderated by Muziwethu Ndlovu, MSc Student (African Studies) at the University of Oxford and Oxford Africa Conference Fundraising Lead, this panel explores the practical realities of governance across Africa, focusing on how leadership is exercised in complex political, economic, and institutional contexts.

Our panellists:
- Beauty Emefa Narteh — Executive Secretary, Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC);
- Leslie Tsai — Director of Integrity Programs, Chandler Foundation;
- Hopewell Rugoho-Chin'ono — Independent Journalist & Documentary Filmmaker.

📅 16–17 May 2026 | Andrew Wiles Building, University of Oxford

Click for full speaker list: https://lnkd.in/eFJd943h

Stay tuned as we continue to convene bold conversations shaping Africa's future.

14/05/2026

ENGINES OF GROWTH — PANEL SPOTLIGHT 📈🌍

At this year's Oxford Africa Conference, we are proud to host a high-level Economic Development panel on Engines of Growth: Africa's Next Economic Era.

Moderated by Dr Stefan Dercon, Professor of Economic Policy at the University of Oxford and Director of the Centre for the Study of African Economies, University of Oxford, this panel brings together leaders from government, finance, logistics, and industry to explore how Africa can unlock its next phase of economic growth.

Panellists:

- Kweku A. Awotwi — Board Chairman, United Bank for Africa (Ghana) Ltd

- Hennie Heymans — CEO, DHL (Sub-Saharan Africa)

- Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi — Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service & Chairperson, World Customs Organization Council

- Kwasi Ampofo — Head of Metals & Mining, BloombergNEF

📅 16–17 May 2026 | Andrew Wiles Building, University of Oxford

Click for full speaker list: https://lnkd.in/eFJd943h

Stay tuned as we continue to convene bold conversations shaping Africa's future.