Mo Ibrahim Foundation ‘Governance for Development in Africa Initiative’ launched at SOAS

The Centre of African Studies at SOAS has received a tremendous boost with a donation to fund an initiative on Governance for Development in Africa, which will create a dedicated environment to support Africans to study both the legal aspects of governance and the links between economic development and governance.

This extraordinary gift from the Mo Ibrahim Foundation aims to enable Africans to improve the quality of governance in their countries by supporting them to build their skills and talents within an expert academic environment.

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation’s £1.375 million gift will fund four dedicated programmes at SOAS: Leadership Development Fellowships; Residential Schools in Africa; Governance Lectures; and PhD Scholarships.

Prof Paul Webley, Director and Principal explains, ‘This gift will have a tremendous impact, not only for SOAS, but for the future of Africa. We are delighted that Dr Mo Ibrahim and his fellow Trustees are working with SOAS on such an exciting project, which will have a impact on Africa for years to come’.

We encourage enquiries about Applications for PhDs on topics relating to Governance and Development in Africa and for Visiting Fellowships on the topics of Leadership and Development (the latter applies also to non-academic applicants: the scheme will target young people with demonstrable leadership potential within their sector, enabling them to develop knowledge, contacts, and strategic plans during an 8-10 week period based in London).

In order to apply for the Fellowship, one would need to send a CV together with a Statement setting out a study plan, outlining how one would use a period of eight weeks in London to develop skills, knowledge and capabilities and how this will benefit the longer term development of his/her sector and country or region.

This scheme primarily targets young people from sub-Saharan Africa who can show demonstrable leadership potential within their sector (which may be academic, government, or private). SOAS will provide weekly workshops tailored to this programme, support for fellows in making relevant contacts and meetings, and library/online research resources.

The deadline to apply for entry in January 2009 is 30 September 2008

Contact:
Angelica Baschiera
Centre of African Studies
SOAS-University of London
Thornhaugh street
Russell Square, London WC1H 0XG
Email: [email protected]
Tel.: +44 (0) 207 898 4370