The University of Westminster brought together colleagues, students and the wider community for its first all-day Africa Day conference. The event put a spotlight on Africa-focused research, enterprise, creativity and lived experience across the University community.
The event took place at the University’s Little Titchfield Street site and was opened by Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement and Employability Professor Dibyesh Anand, who framed the day as “an exchange of ideas that will deepen Westminster’s partnerships across the continent and celebrate the diversity that makes our University a true world in Westminster”.
Facilitated discussions that followed showcased expertise from across the University, ranging from Pharmacology and Public Health to Media, Music and Architecture. Dr Abdulhakeem Olarewaju Sulyman explored sustainable development goals in Nigerian agriculture; Dr Mykaell Riley spoke of music and Africandiasporic narratives; Professor Winston Mano charted the mediascape in the continent; Dr Regina Murphy Keith shared community-led nutrition solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa; Dr Irene Akua Brew-Riverson highlighted the value of integration of entrepreneurial systems; and Susan Benhene-Ocrah discussed Black existentialism.
Alumni, such as Celia Kitenge, a Congolese-Belgian entrepreneur, and Wale Awoyinka, an International Relations BA Honours graduate, also spoke and demonstrated how Westminster learning translates into real-world change. They were joined by a diverse range of scholars and practitioners, including experts in governance, Digital Marketing, Law, Architecture, entrepreneurship and creative industries.
The day also featured cross-departmental team discussions, where attendees mapped new pathways for student mobility, alumni networks, career support and joint research with African partners.
Throughout the day, vibrant entertainment offered a rich taste of African culture. Kaba’s Comedy Club delivered a lively set that filled the room with laughter while raising awareness of infrastructure projects in Liberia. Later, Portland Hall came alive with colour as Mauritian students took to the stage in vivid costumes, performing the traditional Sega dance and inviting the audience to join the rhythm.
Professor Dibyesh Anand, who co-chairs the University’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee, organised the day along with the University’s International Student Champions and Elizabeth Onyango, a student Sustainability Champion.
Professor Anand said: “As a global university, we are keen to map our existing links with the diverse continent of Africa and further promote them in various different disciplines. What made the day most exciting was witnessing the wide range of topics our colleagues and students have expertise in.”
Tanya Gowreesunker, an African Law LLB Honours student, said: “Africa Day was really interesting, my favourite part was showcasing my own culture while learning about other African cultures as well. I definitely think we should have more events like this at Westminster to help promote the range of diversity and uniqueness present in each community.”
Maryam Salehi, an International Student Champion, added: “Walk any corridor at Westminster and you catch the music, aromas and colours of dozens of cultures. Meaningful conversations like today’s remind us how deeply we’re connected as humans, wherever we come from.”
By elevating African voices and perspectives, the conference directly contributed to the University’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including 3: Good Health and Wellbeing, 4: Quality Education and 10: Reduced Inequalities. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about upcoming EDI events at the University of Westminster, and follow the World in Westminster series on Twitter and Instagram for news, photos and highlights.
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