African students in Istanbul made their debut appearance at the positivity forum organized by the African thinktank Platform, with the aim of addressing crucial issues facing the African continent. The event, held at Istanbul University, was a comprehensive forum where students gathered to discuss a wide range of topics including healthcare, technology, global issues, and the economy.
Souandaou Athoumani Ali, a student from Comoros and a presenter at the Platform, stated that the workshop provided a space to discuss the problems Africa is facing. Established in 2019, the Platform has served as a valuable source of data, using plagiarism scanners and reviewing dissertations in Turkey to identify trending topics, according to Ali. The ultimate goal is to provide the latest understanding of African studies in Turkey based on international research and Afro-realist thinking.
Alhaji Abdoul Fathi Sanago, the Platform’s general coordinator, expressed his satisfaction with the wide range of conversations that took place at the workshop. Presentations covered various topics including politics, healthcare, artificial intelligence, and more. The participants were tasked with seeking solutions to infectious diseases and political instability, both of which are contributing to the worsening of Africa’s economy.
Sanago emphasized that the Platform is an inclusive network that welcomes African researchers from around the world to actively participate without limitations. He also highlighted the partnership with non-African experts. The use of the Turkish language during the workshop was intentional, as it serves as a common language for Africans living in Turkey.
The Platform aims to create a platform where African perspectives are central and where solutions proposed by Africans are brought to the table. The workshop also emphasized the importance of generating ideas that will benefit Africa as a whole.
The workshop provided an opportunity for African students studying in Turkey to present and discuss their empirical and conceptual findings. They actively participated in discussions, delivering presentations in Turkish, which significantly contributed to the understanding of African academics. These inputs demonstrated the breadth and depth of African academic writing.
At the Kwan Africa Workshop, participants expressed their optimism about the power of such initiatives in addressing challenges in Africa. The Platform will continue to enhance the exchange and partnership, positioning locals as agents of change in tackling the primary challenges faced by the continent. During the first Prafric workshop in Istanbul, African students and scholars engaged in discussions focused on the major problems affecting Africa.
The forum covered a wide range of disciplines, including health, international relations, and commerce, with discussions revolving around issues such as infectious diseases, political instability, and commercial dogmatism. The Platform’s openness and commitment to African perspectives make it even more meaningful in terms of fostering exchange and collaboration among Africans. Participants expressed hope that these initiatives can bring about positive changes in other African countries.
This article was originally published in TRT AFRIKA.
