ABOUT
Harvard African alumni, students, and affiliates are poised to lead conversations about, in, and beyond Africa precisely because they are often in key positions of leadership across many vocational settings – in government, business, science, the arts – and in many geopolitical and institutional centers of power. By galvanizing meaningful, scalable, and sustained engagement with the interests of Harvard’s African students and scholars, and with the challenges and priorities of the African continent, Harvard African alumni can be extensively networked across Harvard Colleges and Schools, globally leveraged, and optimally organized to ensure strategic investments in successive generations of African students and students interested in Africa.
Africa Alive! represents a pioneering vision for REENGAGING with the dynamic, Africa-centered work done by Harvard’s alumni, faculty, and students, RENEWING expectations about Africa’s relevance and rising in the technologically mediated global economy, RECLAIMING prospects for deeper and fruitful connections across Harvard networks that share a commitment to Africa’s flourishing, and REVITALIZING Harvard’s stake in it.
Reengage
With friends, classmates, and mentors to catalyze transformational ideas for the Continent’s pressing challenges
Renew
Relational networks to galvanize new possibilities for sustainable change on the Continent
Reclaim
Opportunities to advance the Continent’s development and to enhance the welfare of her people
Bold, transformative women political leaders must become the norm around the world-they are central in reimagining societies to become more inclusive.
BINAIFER NOWROJEE
HLS ’93
“Bold, transformative women political leaders must become the norm around the world-they are central in reimagining societies to become more inclusive.”
BINAIFER NOWROJEE
HLS ’93
[S]ometimes the most disappointing thing in life can be the greatest lesson and can serve as a catalyst for profound growth and transformation.
QUEEN CHINYERE QUINN
HKS ’06
“[S]ometimes the most disappointing thing in life can be the greatest lesson and can serve as a catalyst for profound growth and transformation.”
QUEEN CHINYERE QUINN
HKS ’06
Once you have identified a problem, the next step is to listen to everybody: all of the stakeholders…. Because if we don’t, we might just be addressing the wrong problem.
DAVID MOININA SENGEH
Coll.’ 10
“Once you have identified a problem, the next step is to listen to everybody. . . . Because if we don’t, we might just be addressing the wrong problem.”
DAVID MOININA SENGEH
Coll. ’10
Remaining where you are in a world that is changing so rapidly is, in fact, the most dangerous of all places to be in.
HAKEEM BELO-OSAGIE
HBS ’80
“Remaining where you are in a world that is changing so rapidly is, in fact, the most dangerous of all places to be in.”
HAKEEM BELO-OSAGIE
HBS ’80
I believe that when you find problems, you should also find solutions.
NGOZI OKONJO-IWEALA
Coll. ’77, HBS ’97
“I believe that when you find problems, you should also find solutions.”
NGOZI OKONJO-IWEALA
Coll. ’77, HBS ’97
All Harvard. All Africa.
HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL
HARVARD COLLEGE
HARVARD DIVINITY SCHOOL
HARVARD EXTENSION SCHOOL
HARVARD GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ARTS & SCIENCES
HARVARD GRADUATE SCHOOL OF DESIGN
HARVARD GRADUATE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
HARVARD JOHN A. PAULSON SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND APPLIED SCIENCES
HARVARD KENNEDY SCHOOL
HARVARD LAW SCHOOL
HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL
HARVARD SCHOOL OF DENTAL MEDICINE
HARVARD T.H. CHAN SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Harvard Milestone: 1917
Plenyono Gbe Wolo receives an AB
Educator, theologian, and lawyer, son of a Kru chief, Wolo was the first Black African to graduate from Harvard University
“It is important to be fair enough to recognize merit where it exists, as equally frank to report error when it is obvious, and keen also to sense weakness where it lurks. Justice in any situation demands such an attitude.”
Plenyolo Gbe Wolo
circa 1919-1922, Harvard University Archives
KEYNOTES & VIP LECTURES
CHAIRS, MODERATORS & FACILITATORS
SCHEDULE
Select a date below to see the available scheduled sessions for each day:
12:15pm – 1:30pm
SPECIAL EVENT#1:
The Challenges of Representing African States in Investor-State Arbitration, Prof. Won L. Kidane
Join us for a lecture by Prof. Won L. Kidane, Professor of Law and Director of the South Africa Program at the Villanova University School of Law and partner at the DC-based boutique international arbitration law firm ALG, LLP. Prof. Kidane has for over two decades represented African states, their agencies and instrumentalities in major state-to-state, investor-state and commercial arbitration. Before joining the legal academy, he practiced law in Washington with Hunton and Williams and Piper Rudnick (DLA). Prof. Kidane is the author and co-author of five major books, and more than 40 law review articles and book chapters. He holds an LL.B. from Addis Ababa University, a J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law, an LL.M. from the University of Georgia School of Law, and an S.J.D. from the Georgetown Law Center.
Moderator: Mr. Jacob Omorodion, HLS '20, Senior Associate, International Arbitration Practice Group, WilmerHale LLP
Location: WCC, 1585 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge (map)
Room: Milstein East C
Note: Lunch will be provided.
5:00pm – 7:30pm
SPECIAL EVENT #2:
Premiere Screening – Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti
Join the Harvard community for a premiere screening of the award-winning 2024 biopic about the life of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, a renowned African suffragette and mother of the inimitable afrobeat legend, Fela Kuti. Directed and produced by Bolanle Austen-Peters, the biopic is one of the highest grossing films on the African continent this year.
Moderator: Ms. Mariama Wurie, HGSE '24, Solutions Consultant, Education Specialist & Film Producer
Location: WCC, 1585 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge (map)
Room: Milstein East B
Note: Admission is free. Space is limited and registration is required. Reception immediately following (featuring Nigerian food).
11:45am – 3:00pm
Africa Alive! 2024 Registration
Please stop by our welcome table at the following locations to pick up your Africa Alive! 2024 badge:
12:00pm – 1:30pm
Alumni VIP Luncheon with The Honorable Enoh T. Ebong, Director, U.S. Trade and Development Agency
RSVP required
Mobilizing capital for infrastructure development is a critical dimension of Africa’s growth strategy. Join us for a VIP conversation focusing on how the U.S. government partners across Sub-Saharan Africa to develop sustainable infrastructure while creating business opportunities for U.S. firms, featuring The Honorable Enoh T. Ebong, J.D., Director, U.S. Trade and Development Agency.
Moderator: Prof. James Gathii, HLS '99, Professor of Law, Loyola University Chicago School of Law
Location: Harvard Faculty Club, 20 Quincy St, Cambridge (map)
Room: Main Dining Hall
3:00pm – 5:30pm
Africa Alive! 2024 Opening Keynote: H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde, Former President, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Keynote and fireside chat: 3:00pm - 4:00pm (Milstein East B)
Reception: 4:15pm - 5:30pm (Milstein East C)
Moderators:
Ms. Teresa Clarke, Coll. '84, HBS, HLS '88, Founder, Chair & Chief Executive Officer, Africa.com
Dr. Victor Oladokun, Senior Advisor to the President, African Development Bank Group
Location: WCC, 1585 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge (map)
Room: Milstein East BC
6:30pm
Founders' Banquet
Join us for an extraordinary evening honoring alumni pioneers whose vision, dedication, and engagement paved the way for today’s community of African faculty, students and alumni devoted to the teaching and advancement of the study of Africa at Harvard. This dynamic and visionary group was small but diverse, with founding members from Egypt, The Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa. They had a clear-eyed commitment to discovering, kindling, and sustaining knowledge about Africa at Harvard through academic study, independent research initiatives, and social engagement. Finding strength in community, they founded the Harvard African Students Association (HASA) - the first African students' organization in Harvard’s history. For over 40 years, HASA has been a hallmark of collaboration, community, and constructive engagement across Harvard’s campus. The Founders' enduring legacy is evident in numerous school-focused Africa student groups, including the Harvard African Law Association, Nigerian Students Association, Kenya Students Association, Africa Caucus, several university-wide Centers, Programs, and Initiatives, and three world-class annual conferences – the African Business Conference (ABC) hosted by Harvard Business School, the African Development Conference (ADC) hosted by Harvard Law School and Harvard Kennedy School, and the Africa Health Conference (AHC) hosted by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Speaker: Prof. Wole Soyinka, Arts Professor of Theater, NYU Abu Dhabi; Nobel Laureate, Literature (1986)
Founders and Honorary Banquet Chairpersons:
Mr. Louis "Louie" Edozien, Coll. '81, Chairman of the Board, GigaGas
Professor Hakeem “Keem” Belo-Osagie, HBS '80, Chairman of the Board, Metis Capital Partners; Senior Lecturer of Business Administration, HBS
Dr. Myma Belo-Osagie, HLS '78 & '85, Of Counsel, Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie
Mr. Sola Mahoney, Coll. '80, Chairman of the Board, HelpAge International
Mr. Augustine “Gus” Udo, Coll. '83, Author
Dr. Oki Ooko-Ombaka, HLS '78, Former Vice-Chairman, Constitution of Kenya Review Commission
Mrs. Lisa Mensah, Coll. '83, President & CEO, Opportunity Finance Network
Mr. Adebayo "Bayo" O. Ogunlesi, HLS & HBS ‘79, Chairman & Managing Partner, Global Infrastructure Partners
Master of Ceremonies: Mr. Jacob Omorodion, HLS '20, Senior Associate, International Arbitration Practice Group, WilmerHale LLP
Location: Charles Hotel, 1 Bennett St, Cambridge (map)
Room: Charles Ballroom
8:15am – 9:15am
Networking Breakfast
Location: Austin Hall, 1515 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge (map)
Room: Austin Hall Rotunda (1st floor)
9:15am – 10:30am
Leaders' Roundtable on the Future of Africa
Moderator:
Mr. Yinka Adegoke, Editor, Semafor Africa
Speakers:
Ms. Amen Gashaw, Coll. '24, New England Finance Associate, Democratic National Committee
Dr. Victor Oladokun, Senior Advisor to the President, African Development Bank Group
Ms. Osaremen Okolo, Coll. ‘17, Doctoral Candidate and Presidential Scholar, Harvard University
Prof. Wole Soyinka, Arts Professor of Theater, NYU Abu Dhabi; Nobel Laureate, Literature (1986)
Location: Austin Hall, 1515 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge (map)
Room: Ames Court (2nd floor)
10:45am – 12:45pm
Concurrent Sessions #1-2:
Lunch served at 12:45pm in Austin Hall Rotunda (1st floor)
Session #1: Africa's Unbearable Disease Burden – Causes, Cures, and Costs
Africa carries over 20% of the global burden of disease, and more than 630 million healthy life years are lost each year due to disease. Despite notable progress with AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, the lack of local academic research and resources along with recurring natural disasters, war, climate change and overall challenging economic performance impose significant constraints on Africa’s development trajectory. Yet, important advances have been made and new opportunities to accelerate growth in public health services and medical care are emerging.
This session will explore access to medicines, strategies for addressing the rising incidence of cancer and other NCDs, new initiatives focused on Africa’s health security, and the deployment of AI to improve target identification and biotherapeutic design for drug discovery relevant to Africa’s disease burden.
Chair: Dr. Yele Aluko, Chief Medical Officer and Managing Director, EY Americas
Speakers:
Dr. Hermioni Amonoo, HMS & HKS '12, HSPH '23, Carol C. Nadelson, MD Endowed Chair in Psychiatry, Bringham and Women's Hospital
Dr. Obinna Onyekwena, Deputy Director, Infectious Diseases Advocacy, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Mr. Yohannes Tsehai, HLS '04, Ethiopia & Horn of Africa Country Manager, Onafriq
Ms. Fatou Wurie, HSPH '25, Doctoral Candidate, HSPH; Founder & CEO, Youterus
Location: Boylston Hall, 5 Harvard Yard, Cambridge (map)
Room: Boylston 110 - Fong Auditorium
Session #2: The Power of Africa’s Soft Power: The Arts, Film, Fashion, and Afrobeats - Mapping New Frontiers for the Creative Sector
With funds such as Next Narrative seeking to invest $30 million into Africa’s film industry, and with increasing capacity and strategic alliances with private equity firms, the African creative sector continues to penetrate global markets with huge demand and impressive returns in Europe, Asia, and the U.S. Unquestionably, Africa’s soft power has been increasingly recognized and celebrated on global stages. Nonetheless, the industry remains fragile and global cultural and economic pressures create production and licensing structures that are inconsistent with sustainable growth and increased market share for local producers. This session addresses the risks, promise, and pathways for advancing and leveraging the significant potential of Africa’s soft power.
Chair: Mrs. Kike Aluko Wahutu, HBS, HLS '19, Chair, Africa Music Initiative; Associate Attorney, Greenberg Traurig LLP
Facilitator: Mr. Audu Maikori, Founder and Chairman, Chocolate City Group
Speakers:
Ms. Yemi Alade, Artiste
Prof. Olufunmilayo "Funmi" Arewa, Coll. '85, HLS '94, HSPH '03, Professor of Law, George Mason University School of Law
Ms. Sue-Ellen Chitunya, Film producer/Filmmaker
Ms. Malikat Rufai, Public Policy Manager, AI and IP, Meta
Mr. Augustine “Gus” Udo, Coll. '83, Author
Location: Austin Hall, 1515 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge (map)
Room: Ames Court (2nd floor)
1:45pm – 3:45pm
Concurrent Sessions #3-5:
Session #3: What Is Artificial Intelligence Doing in Africa?
This panel will explore the growing role of AI technologies across the African continent. Experts from various fields will discuss how AI is being leveraged to address critical challenges in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, and finance. The panel will also highlight innovative AI solutions emerging from Africa, the potential for AI to drive economic growth, and the cultural and social implications of its deployment. Additionally, the discussion will address how AI can empower local communities and bridge the technological gap across the region.
Chair: Dr. Myma Belo-Osagie, HLS '78 & '85, Of Counsel, Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie
Speakers:
Mr. Yinka Adegoke, Editor, Semafor Africa
Dr. Chinasa T. Okolo, Fellow – Governance Studies, Center for Technology Innovation, Brookings Institution
Ms. Teresa Clarke, Coll. '84, HBS, HLS '88, Founder, Chair & Chief Executive Officer, Africa.com
Mr. Bulelani Jili, GSAS '25, Meta Research Ph.D. Fellow, Harvard University
Location: Sever Hall, 25 Harvard Yard, Cambridge (map)
Room: Sever Hall 113
Session #4: Democracy, Anti-Democracy, Disinformation, and the Future of African Governance
This panel will examine the rise of democratic and anti-democratic forces, the impact of disinformation on political processes, and the challenges these trends pose to governance at both national and regional levels. Key topics will include strategies for strengthening democratic institutions, combatting disinformation, and promoting regional cooperation to ensure a stable and prosperous future for the continent.
Speakers:
Mr. Patrick Katembwe, Minister of Communication and Media, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Prof. Won L. Kidane, Professor of Law and Director of the South Africa Program, Villanova University School of Law
Prof. Wunpini Mohammed, Assistant Professor, Cornell University
Ms. Christine Mungai, Lead Curator, Baraza Media Lab
Prof. Athena Mutua, HLS '87, Professor of Law, University at Buffalo School of Law
Prof. Uche Ofodile, HLS '93 & '03, Professor, University of Arkansas School of Law; Senior Fellow, Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government at the Harvard Kennedy School
Location: Langdell Hall, 1545 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge (map)
Room: Langdell 272
Session #5: Regulating Africa's Markets: Challenges of the Global Digital Economy
Speakers:
Dr. Ben Akande, Senior Vice President & Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer, Stifel Financial Corp.
Prof. Idriss Fofana, Coll. '11, Assistant Professor of Law and Affiliate Assistant Professor of History, Harvard University
Mr. Tunde Irukera, Former Executive Vice Chairman, Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Commission, Nigeria
Prof. Ada Ordor, 2024 Henry J. Steiner Professor of Human Rights, Harvard Law School
Location: WCC, 1585 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138 (map)
Room: WCC 1023
4:15pm – 5:15pm
Going Back Forward: Professional Arcs in Africa after Harvard
Gain valuable insights from distinguished alumni who have built successful careers across various sectors in Africa and learn about the opportunities and challenges of working on the continent. Connect with alumni, exchange ideas, and expand your professional network in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere.
Chair: Ms. Ory Okolloh, HLS '05, Partner, Verod-Kepple Africa Ventures
Speakers:
Mr. Michael Butera, HLS '24, Chief Technical Advisor, Ministry of Justice, Rwanda
Mr. Ryan Jordan, Coll. '24, Senior Non-Resident Scholar, CSASE, Harvard University
Mr. Adah Ojile, HKS '19, Managing Director & Head of Products and Engineering, VentureC
Location: Austin Hall, 1515 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge (map)
Room: Ames Court (2nd floor)
7:00pm
Africa Alive! 2024 Closing Gala with Yemi Alade
Join us for a spectacular evening of celebration, connection, and live entertainment as we bring Africa Alive! 2024 to a grand finale.
Location: Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street - Boston, 1 Dalton St, Boston, MA 02115 (map)
Worship Options
For alumni with late-afternoon or evening flights, there are a number of Sunday worship options at which you’ll find Harvard students:
Aletheia Church - 85 Bishop Allen Drive, Cambridge
Central Square Church - 5 Magazine Street, Cambridge
Harvard Memorial Church - 1 Harvard Yard, Cambridge
Pentecostal Tabernacle - South - 56 Magazine St, Cambridge
St. Paul’s Parish - 29 Mount Auburn Street, Cambridge
Islamic Society of Boston (ISB Cambridge) - 204 Prospect Street, Cambridge
9:30am – 11:00am
CSASE Advisory Board Meeting
RSVP required
Location: Henrietta’s Table Restaurant, Charles Hotel, 1 Bennett St, Cambridge (map)
ACCOMMODATION
The following hotels are just a walk, bus ride, or a short drive from Harvard Yard. We recommend that you book your accommodation for October 10-13 to experience all of the Africa Alive! 2024 events.
PARTNERS
USEFUL LINKS
Alumni Clubs and Contacts
Harvard Alumni Contacts in Africa
Harvard Alumni for Global Development
Harvard Black Alumni Society
Harvard Club of Egypt
Harvard Club of Ghana
Harvard Club of Kenya
Harvard Club of Nigeria
HBS Association of Nigeria
Harvard University Alumni of South Africa
Student Organizations
Africa Business Club
AfricaGSD
Eritrean and Ethiopian Students Association
Harvard African Law Association
Harvard African Student Association
Harvard Chan Africa Health Students Forum
Harvard College Nigerian Students Association
Harvard Undergraduate Association of Ghanaian Students
Harvard Undergraduate South African Society
HBS Middle East & North Africa Club
Reconnect with the Harvard family!
Join us for an unforgettable time at the Africa Alive! reunion. Don’t miss this unique chance to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and celebrate our shared journey.
