Events

We run an exciting and extensive programme of events on a variety of topics for audiences with an interest in Africa. Our events are mostly free and open to the general public.

Our programme of events include regular talks, book launches, and business breakfasts for corporate members as well as events run in partnership with other organisations.

We hold an Annual Lecture and two highly popular festivals, Africa Writes, the UK’s first literary festival focused on African writers and their readers, and  Film Africa, our annual celebration of  African Cinema. 

Photo: Siddharth Khajuria
Fifty Years of African Unity
Tuesday, 28 May 2013 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
  Date & Time: Tuesday, 28 May 2013, 6-8PM Place: Khalili Lecture Theatre, SOAS Speakers: Alex de Waal, Executive Director, World Peace Foundation. Chair: Onyekachi Wambu, Director of Policy & Engagement, African Foundation for Development (AFFORD). Event in partnership with African Affairs. The Organisation for African Unity (OAU) was established 50 years ago with a mandate... more
SOMALIA - ECONOMIC & POLITICAL PROSPECTS 2013
Wednesday, 29 May 2013 - 12:00pm to 2:00pm
  Date & Time: Wednesday, 29 May, 12-2PM Place: G2, School of Oriental & African Studies (SOAS) Speakers: Hassan Dudde, Somali Economic Forum; Agnes Gitau, Eastern Africa Economic Chambers of Commerce. Chair: Richard Dowden, Director, Royal African Society World Leaders hosted by David Cameron convened the Second Somalia Conference in the first... more
Youth and Revolution in Tunisia
Tuesday, 2 July 2013 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
  Date & Time: 2 July, 2013, 6-8PM Place: Brunei Suite, SOAS Speaker: Professor Alcinda Honwana, The Open Universiry. Chair: Alex de Waal, Executive Director, The World Peace Foundation Book launch with author Alcinda Honwana, in partnership with Zed Books and The Open University. The uprising in Tunisia has come to be seen as the first true revolution of... more
Africa Writes: Our annual festival of African literature
Friday, 5 July 2013 - 10:00am to Sunday, 7 July 2013 - 6:00pm
Africa Writes - the UK's largest celebration of contemporary African and Diaspora literature - returns this summer, from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th July at the British Library.  Organised by the Royal African Society in partnership with The British Library, Africa Writes 2013 will feature an exciting series of book launches, readings, panel discussions, poetry, performances,... more
China's Aid and Soft Power in Africa
Tuesday, 23 July 2013 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Date & Time:  Tuesday, 23 May. 6-8PM Place: Khalili Lecture Theatre, SOAS Speakers: Professor Kenneth King, Emeritus Professor of African Studies, University of Edinburgh. Chair: tbc Book launch with author Professor Kenneth King. China’s involvement in Africa for over 60 years has been based on the mutually beneficial notion in South-South cooperation. While its dramatic... more