About the Forum

Africa: Structural Challenges and Home-Grown Solutions

The international event titled “Africa: Structural Challenges and Home-Grown Solutions” will be held in Istanbul between 20–22 May 2026, hosted by the Marmara University – Faculty of Political Sciences (RTE Campus - Maltepe). The event is jointly organized by the Center for Turkiye–France Relations (Marmara University), and the Afro-Eurasian Research Institute (Istanbul). 

The second day will be dedicated to the Workshop on African Studies, forming the scientific pillar of the program. 

Purpose and Vision

The primary objective of the forum is to address the structural challenges facing the African continent through locally grounded knowledge, regional experience, and context-sensitive development models, rather than externally imposed and one-dimensional approaches. By doing so, the event seeks to bring together academia, diplomacy, business communities, and cultural actors on a common platform.

Designed as a multilayered and interdisciplinary forum, the program aims to foster sustainable dialogue that connects policy-oriented discussions with academic production and cultural interaction.

Program

The three-day program is structured around complementary yet interconnected components:

Day 1 – Diplomatic and Economic Forum
The first day will host a Diplomatic and Economic Forum with the participation of high-level diplomats, public officials, and representatives from the business sector. Key discussions will focus on Africa–Turkiye relations, strategic cooperation areas, trade, investment, and market access. Roundtable meetings will aim to produce concrete policy recommendations and cooperation frameworks. The outcomes of these discussions will be compiled under the title “Istanbul Outcomes.”

Day 2 – Workshop on African Studies
The second day will be dedicated to the Workshop on African Studies, forming the intellectual backbone of the programme. Panels will cover themes such as governance, political economy, development, finance, industrialization, climate resilience, technology, migration, and diaspora studies. Special sessions will be organized for early-career researchers, focusing on mentorship, academic publishing, and research design, with an emphasis on enhancing academic output and publication potential.

Day 3 – Culture Day
The third day is designed as a Culture Day, highlighting Africa’s cultural diversity through events in literature, music, visual arts, and storytelling. Interactive simulations and creative workshops will be organized with the active participation of university students. The programme will conclude with cultural performances and a closing ceremony.

A Sustainable Dialogue Platform

Through its holistic structure, the forum aims to go beyond being merely an academic conference or a diplomatic gathering. Instead, it seeks to establish a sustainable dialogue platform that brings together policy-making, academic knowledge production, and cultural exchange, contributing to a deeper and more nuanced understanding of Africa in global and regional contexts.