Africa: the global powerhouse of the future

By 2050, a quarter of the world’s people will be African, shaping geopolitics, global trade, migration, technological development, the future of the world’s dominant religions – almost every aspect of life.

As the continent continues to undergo this remarkable period of economic and social transformation, Warwick's enduring connection to Africa is only deepening.

Join our Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Stuart Croft, live in conversation with Warwick alumna Bience Gawanas, Vice-Chair of the Global Fund. Named as one of the 100 most influential Africans, Bience studied law at Warwick after leaving Namibia under apartheid and going into exile.

You’ll also hear valuable insights from Professor Dan Branch, Co-Academic Director, Africa, and Hillary Wanjohi, final year Law student and President of Warwick Africa Summit.

A recording of the event will be made available shortly afterwards, and all those who register will receive a link to the recording by email.

Host

Professor Stuart Croft - Vice-Chancellor and President

Stuart is responsible for ensuring the delivery of excellence in education and research within the region, nationally and internationally. He leads a team of over 7,000 people supporting some 29,000 students with global research connections.

During his career Stuart has contributed to many publications focused on international security, which include a series of books including Culture, Crisis and America’s War on terror and Securitizing Islam, along with a further dozen books.

Stuart is currently Chair of Universities West Midlands and has previously chaired the Midlands Innovation Board and the national Equality Challenge Unit. In 2021, Stuart was appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands.

Speakers

Bience Gawanas (LLB Law, 1986; Hon LLD, 2023) - Vice-Chair of the Global Fund

Bience’s career in law, human rights, gender equality, social justice, and social development spans more than 40 years. This has been defined by multiple leadership roles that earned her national and international recognition for effectiveness, service delivery, and creativity. Currently Vice-Chair of the Global Fund, Bience’s varied career includes roles as Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on Africa to the United Nations, and Secretary-General and African Union (AU) Commissioner for Social Affairs. She holds an LLB and Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Warwick, an Utter Barrister Degree, and an Executive MBA. She is a member of the Lincoln’s Inn and the Law Society of Namibia.   

Professor Dan Branch - Academic Director of the Doctoral College, and Co-Academic Director, Africa in International Relations & Strategy Group

With his colleague, Franklyn Lisk, Dan is currently developing several partnerships between Warwick and a number of universities across Africa.

Dan is also a professor in Warwick’s History department. In that role, he has written two books and many articles for academic and non-academic audiences on Kenya’s history and politics. He is currently completing a book on the impact of the Cold War on Kenya’s politics after independence. He holds degrees from Oxford, SOAS and Sussex, and was a postdoctoral fellow at Yale University and a lecturer at Exeter before coming to Warwick in 2008.

Hillary Wanjohi (Final year LLB Law student) - President of Warwick Africa Summit

Hillary's academic journey has been characterized by a profound interest in African development. Growing up in South Africa and Kenya, her unique multicultural background has consistently shaped her passion, evident through her active involvement in various extracurricular activities. Notably, she has served as the Vice-President of the Eastern African Society, held the position of Head of External Relations at the Warwick Summit, and currently holds the role of President at the Africa Summit.

Her overarching goal in these roles is to challenge and transform outdated narratives surrounding the African continent. Since her enrolment at Warwick in 2021, Hillary has been a dedicated supporter and volunteer for the university's recruitment initiatives. She readily shares her knowledge and Warwick experience with prospective students exploring overseas study opportunities. Her commitment to volunteering and advocacy is further exemplified through her role as a co-founder of the Young Queens of Africa Foundation and her position as a Global Youth Ambassador at TheirWorld.