Oxford Africa Conference 2024

I had the honour of serving on the planning committee of the 2024 edition of the Oxford Africa Conference, organized by the University of Oxford Africa Society. This conference, highly acclaimed in numerous reviews, stands out as one of the premier events dedicated to Africa, led by Africans. It successfully united influential dignitaries, enthusiastic young individuals, and inspiring speakers from both within and beyond the Oxford community and the United Kingdom. As a member of the organizing committee, I was privileged to witness and actively contribute to this vibrant occasion, epitomizing the essence and promise of the African continent.

A memorable moment for me was reconnecting with one of my greatest inspirations, Ambassador Albertus Aochamub, the Namibian Ambassador to France. Despite his demanding schedule, he promptly accepted the invitation to deliver remarks at the concluding session of the conference, showcasing his dedication to the goals of young African leaders. I initially encountered the ambassador at the UNESCO International Youth Forum on Creativity and Heritage Along the Silk Roads in China in 2023. During that conference, I had the opportunity to contemplate my immediate and future interests and activities, including my involvement in fashion as a substantive aspect of my contribution to discussions concerning Africa. I distinctly recall pledging to stay in contact in the months ahead, a promise I fulfilled. The gracious display of encouragement from the ambassador serves as a poignant reminder that leaders can actively engage when inclined to do so. It underscores the idea that leaders can be approachable, a trait I aspire to embody on my own leadership path.

Encountering Dr. Khetsiwe Dlamini, the former Chief of Staff at UN Women and Executive Director at Triple C Advisory, was a noteworthy experience. Her experiences exemplify the potency and potential of intergenerational collaboration. Her words of encouragement and admiration for the youthful leaders in attendance at the conference were genuinely motivational. She emphasized the significance of fostering connections across different age demographics to facilitate sustained growth and progress. Also, meeting Hon. Fatoumatta Njai, a Member of the National Assembly of The Gambia, enhanced my conference participation. Her affirmations and support carried significant value, especially as a young female leader dedicated to leadership within and beyond my nation. Her backing and confidence in the abilities of young African women were both uplifting and inspiring. The narratives and insights shared by numerous women at the conference presented challenges that resonated with me profoundly, underscoring the importance of witnessing women in roles we aspire to fulfill. Their validation and backing play a crucial role in guiding us forward during moments of self-doubt.

One term that received significant emphasis throughout the conference was ‘Afro-Optimism,' a concept attributed to Congolese author Sony Tabou Tansi. Described as a movement diametrically opposed to Afro-pessimism, Afro-optimism encapsulates a focus on Africa’s modernity, fosters a climate of positivity, catalyzes proactive measures, and venerates the essence of 'Africanness,' including African solutions, distinctiveness, and advancement (Giami, 2022). Championed during the conference by His Excellency Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, the former Prime Minister of the Republic of Kenya, the discourse on Afro-optimism served as a poignant reminder of the vast potential inherent in the African continent. Odinga's appeal to harness our collective capabilities and persist in the pursuit of progress and advancement resonated profoundly within the forum. The conference acknowledged Africa's strategic positioning and its capacity to shape internal dynamics as well as global political, socio-economic, cultural, and technological paradigms, solidifying its status as a recurrent point of reference for attendees.

I do believe Afro-optimism is an expression of the possibilities and convictions of our past heroes that Africa can truly and fully lead itself someday and also lead the world. It is a conviction hinged on the belief that human beings could alter their circumstances by their individual choices and their commitment to doing the work needed to back up those choices.
(Ken Giami, LinkedIn)

The pinnacle moment of the conference was the Africa Day Gala Dinner and Fashion Show. This occasion held significant meaning for me, reflecting my profound interest in fashion that narrates tales and symbolizes the core of Africa. The fashion showcase presented exquisite traditional and streetwear outfits representing diverse African regions, enhancing the appreciation of the continent's magnificence and variety. The central theme, ‘Africa Is Not A Country', aimed to provoke contemplation among both African and non-African participants regarding the undiscovered aspects of the continent, awaiting exploration beyond the limited realms of knowledge we currently inhabit. The evening encompassed a culinary, musical, and lively ambiance inspired by Africa, constituting a remarkable commemoration of Africa Day.

As I wrap up my year at Oxford University, I am incredibly proud of what we achieved as the Oxford University Africa Society, and the footprint I leave in this community where I have had the chance to tell my story how I know it and to expand it into the experiences I have had in the continent that shape my pride in being African.