The arrival of the African fellows in Florence marks the start of the Young African Leader Programme. The pilot project is aimed at African policy-makers, diplomats and professionals working in national and local authorities, regional and international organisations, civil society organisations, academia, media and the private sector in Africa. Funded by the European Commission's Directorate-General for International Partnerships, it is considered a milestone for the School of Transnational Governance (STG) and the whole European University Institute (EUI) community.
With the start of the 2021-22 academic year, 17 fellows have arrived at Palazzo Buontalenti. For the next three months, from September to November, the fellows will work from the STG’s new headquarters and participate in workshops, trainings and skills development activities. On the agenda are also study visits and excursions to Brussels and Berlin.
“Africa is the continent of the future”, said Programme Coordinator and STG adjunct Professor Mehari Taddele Maru. “In the global economy Africa is increasingly connected. To make the most of Africa’s potential, we need leaders who guide the continental integration efficiently at transnational, pan-African and global level.”
“We are grateful of the Commission’s support and trust that our approach will provide new, innovative ways to bring the Europe-Africa partnership to the next level. For us in Europe, this really is the future,” added STG Executive Director Fabrizio Tassinari.
The group reflects the diversity of the African continent. The fellows come from 11 different sub-Saharan African countries; Zimbabwe, Ghana, Malawi, Madagascar, Uganda, Kenya, Sudan, Tanzania, Nigeria, Cameroon, Togo and South Africa. With 10 female scholarship holders, they make up the majority in the group. In terms of research topics, the fellows address a variety of transnational policy issues, including gender, migration, health and peace and security.The STG looks forward to learn from and with the new fellows, and broadening the School's outlook beyond the European borders. Get to know the group, and check out their bios!