THE AFRICA GLOBAL INITIATIVE
The continent of Africa is fueled by the promise presented by its youth and its dynamism. Its population is predicted to double from 1.2 billion by 2050. Africa’s 54 countries are incredibly diverse, whether from a linguistic, economic, or cultural perspective– from North to South, East, and West, Africa’s civil-society sector is vigorous. The Northeastern University Africa Global Initiative will mutually empower its African students, alumni, faculty, staff, and partners.
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The African continent includes 54 countries with a predominantly young population, each with its own ambitious economic goals. Top universities, dynamic industries, and a vibrant entrepreneurship culture characterize many African countries. Northeastern’s excellence as a global and innovative R1 research university, coupled with its focus on experiential education, matches the vital African landscape and poises us for expanded and important engagement across key regions in Africa.
Africa Day 2023: Harnessing the Potential of Africa’s Youth for Sustainable Economic Development

Event Date: Thursday, May 18, 2023
1-3 pm: Zoom Discussion
6-8 pm: Dinner Reception at the Cabral
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The African continent is currently experiencing a youth bulge, with over 60% of its population being under the age of 25. This presents a significant challenge and opportunity for the continent’s development.
As an organization dedicated to promoting African culture and heritage, we recognize the critical role that the African youth play in shaping the continent’s future. We believe that this event will provide a platform for experts, youth leaders, and entrepreneurs to share insights and explore solutions to harnessing the potential of Africa’s youthful population for sustainable economic development.
The goals of the Africa day event are as follow:
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- Provide a better understanding of the impact of demographic dividend, it challenges and explore solutions to taking advantage of it
- Increased awareness of youth participation in policymaking and governance in Africa
- Provide platform for networking and collaboration among faculty, students, alumni and youth leaders with diverse interest and inspiring work
- Re-affirm Northeastern role as a global partner in preparing African Youth for sustainable development home and aboard
Program
Zoom Conversation: 1-3 pm
MC
Dr. Hazel Sive, Chair of the Africa Global Initiative. Dean of the college of Social Science & professor of Biology
Keynote
Keynote Address: Harnessing the Potential of Africa’s youth for Sustainable Economic Development
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Gbemi Disu, Vice President of Global Network Expansion, Northeastern University
Youth at the Forefront Storytelling
Topic: Encouraging Youth Participation in Governance and Policy Making: A Pathway to Inclusive Development in Africa
Speakers:
Rachel Joy Boakye, Masters in International Affairs from American University. Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Augustana College. Research Assistant, African Center at United States Institute of Peace
Wantoe T. Wantoe, Studies Master’s of Public Policy (M.P.P.) at University of Oxford. Member of the United Nations Department of Global Communication Youth Steering Committe
Youth Led Solution Panel Dicussion
Topic: Innovative Youth-led solutions: Exploring Youth CEO methods in Impacting African Youth and Creating Jobs
Moderator
Killion Mokwete, Co-Founder of Social Impact Collective (SIC) Inc RIBA Architect /Associate Teaching Professor at Northeastern University School of Architecture
Panelists
Wainright Acquoi, CEO of TRIBE. Social Entrepreneur + Lecturer
Mohamed T. Kante, Founder of iNERDE Inc. & Lean Impakt LLC, Operational Excellence & Innovation @ Dell Technologies
Dinner Reception: 6 – 8pm at The Cabral Center in John D O’Bryant African American Institute
Join us for an amazing evening of networking and delicious African cuisine.
(Due to space constraints, the Africa day networking dinner will only be open to Northeastern students and alumni on the Boston campus)
Remember to REGISTER
RECENT EVENTS

Northeastern’s First Africa Business Conference
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2022
Northeastern’s inaugural Africa Business Conference was organized by the D’Amore-McKim School of Business’s Center for Emerging Markets.
From ehealth to urban logistics, food to fintech, e-commerce to sustainable grids and cybersecurity, Africa’s expanding economy holds the promise of rapid growth for tech startups and traditional companies alike, offering innovative solutions to global challenges. The conference offered members of our community—business leaders, students, researchers, and entrepreneurs—the opportunity to network and engage with inspiring changemakers in Africa through keynote speeches and panel discussions.
President Joseph E. Aoun
Amb Rama Yade and Pr Jonathan Esole
Dilip Pal and Pr Ravi Ramamurti
Subodh Chanrai
Florie Liser and Ayo Oyebanjo
The Global Work Citizen inaugural program connects Huskies to African partners
Employer Engagement and Career Design in collaboration with Global Co-op Faculty run the brand-new Global Work Citizen summer badge program. This immersive month-long virtual program was designed especially for first year learners. It aimed to introduce Huskies to global partners early in their university journey and encourage students to cultivate a global mindset during and beyond their time at Northeastern.
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Dean Hazel Sive
Chair of the Africa Global Initiative
“This collaborative effort will build strong, mutually beneficial connections between our wonderful university and outstanding African partners. Through the AGI, we will increase African student enrollment in Northeastern programs and leverage existing or new partnerships with academic institutions, alumni, and employers to promote research, educational, and experiential opportunities.
THE AFRICA GLOBAL INITIATIVE TEAM
Hazel Sive
Chair of the Africa Global Initiative
h.sive@northeastern.edu
Andrew Ginger
Special Advisor to the Provost
a.ginger@northeastern.edu
Richard Wamai
Professor at CSSH and team lead for ACCIH
r.wamai@northeastern.edu
Salmaan Faraaz
Associate Director – Recruitment and Marketing, International Enrollment Management
s.faraaz@northeastern.edu
Aspa Papanastasiou
Associate Director of Global Employer Relations
a.papanastasiou@northeastern.edu
Carolyn Jasinski
Executive Director of Leadership and Advancement Initiative
c.jasinski@northeastern.edu
Jared Auclair
Vice Provost Research Economic Development and Director of Bioinnovation
j.auclair@northeastern.edu
Gbemi Disu
Vice Provost Research Economic Development and Director of Bioinnovation
j.auclair@northeastern.edu
General Inquiries:
Etta Brooks
Project Manager
e.brooks@northeastern.edu