Reimagining Research in Africa with the Africa Charter: The 16th AAU General Conference in Rabat

As the 16th AAU General Conference approaches, taking place from 21–25 July in Rabat, we are reminded of a milestone moment: the launch of the Africa Charter for Transformative Research Collaborations at COREVIP 2023 in Windhoek. Two years on, the Charter has sparked deep reflection and collaborative momentum across the continent and beyond.

At this year’s conference, the Africa Charter Steering Group—facilitated by the UNISA Albert Luthuli Research Chair, the Institute for Humanities in Africa (HUMA) at the University of Cape Town, and the Perivoli Africa Research Centre at the University of Bristol—will host a series of sessions to celebrate progress, deepen dialogue, and shape the road ahead.

Plenary Session – 21 July

Africa Charter for Transformative Research Collaborations: Journey So Far and Heightened Relevance Today

This one-hour session will offer a panoramic view of the Charter's significance and future, featuring:

Keynote reflections from:
- Prof. Puleng LenkaBula (Vice Chancellor, UNISA)
- Prof. Kenneth Matengu (Vice Chancellor, UNAM)
- Prof. Shose Kessi (Dean of Humanities, UCT)
- Prof. Olusola Oyewole (Secretary General, AAU)

These speakers will explore the core vision of the Charter, its growing relevance for African and global scholarship, and the critical role it plays in today’s shifting global research landscape.

A progress update from the tripartite facilitating group, including:
- Key achievements since COREVIP 2023
- Next steps for signatories and allies
- The launch of a dedicated Africa Charter web portal
Insights from the EU Commission, highlighting the Charter’s alignment with EU-AU priorities in research and innovation.

Side Session – 22 July

Being a Charter Signatory: What It Means and a Roadmap of Actions

In this 90-minute participatory session, we’ll break down what it means for institutions to be Africa Charter signatories. We’ll offer practical guidance and explore strategic actions for embedding the Charter’s principles into organisational research frameworks. Participants will also contribute to the global community of practice emerging around the Charter.

Side Session – 23 July

Connecting the Africa Charter to Wider Continental Agendas

This one-hour session provides a space for preliminary consultation with representatives from the African Union (AU), AUDA-NEPAD, and other influential continental organisations. Together, we will explore how the Charter aligns with broader development and policy agendas—and how to advance meaningful engagement across institutions and networks.

Whether you're new to the Africa Charter or already an active supporter, these sessions offer a chance to deepen your involvement and help shape a future where African research collaborations are led by transformative, equitable, and contextually grounded principles.

See more information about the Africa Charter:

Africa Charter | Perivoli Africa Research Centre

The Africa Charter | Institute for Humanities in Africa