Africa is a vast continent with a wide range of vibrant cultures, exciting history, innovative businesses, varieties of environment and large mineral wealth. Unfortunately, Africa is also known for endemic poverty, conflicts, poor governance and its relatively slow progress in development. We would like to consider the large potential that the continent offers in terms of new generations of Africans and the extensive diaspora in order to facilitate socio-economic development and alleviate human deprivation.
The University of Birmingham African Development Forum is a platform for discussions on progression of political and socio-economic development in Africa. We aim to engage a large audience of students from different backgrounds and disciplines in these discussions to provoke innovative ideas and enriching experiences. UBADF’s activities range from active workshops, student presentations, discussion groups on development themes, guest speakers and film screenings. Furthermore, we aim to promote social entrepreneurship whether it is via the private sector, governance or development agencies by inviting students to share their experiences and invite organisations that are active in Africa. This may also help students who seek a career within Africa to explore the opportunities that await them. We therefore hope that the forum will attribute to the creation of networks, exchange of knowledge and experience, support of effective initiatives that are all aimed at sustainable development within Africa. The activities of UBADF will also assist students to develop themselves by gaining interpersonal, analytical, presentation and debating skills which are key competencies that many employers look for in graduates.
