2025: A Year In Review
Posted on 8th September, 2025 in News
The Royal African Society has a unique mandate, expressed by our Royal Charter, as the only non-governmental organisation in the UK with the objective of increasing knowledge of Africa in the UK and globally. The Society is also a great platform for all those who care and work on African issues to connect and build long lasting beneficial relationships. We are an influential and independent UK-based 124-year-old membership organisation with Royal Patronage. Our mission is simple: to inform our members and people in the UK and globally about Africa, to amplify African voices in the UK and to connect and promote valuable relations amongst all those who care about Africa.
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In 2025 we hosted a series of thought-provoking lectures, policy discussions, and community events that align with our mission and have strengthened our role as a hub for dialogue, learning, and engagement on Africa. Highlights of 2025 include…
Date: 27th March
Speaker: Ronak Gopaldas
Summary: African Conversations was officially launched with a lecture by Ronak Gopaldas, political economist and Director at Signal Risk. Formerly Head of Country Risk at Rand Merchant Bank, Gopaldas is also a regular lecturer at leading universities and contributes to global policy debates through think tanks and advisory boards. In his talk, he examined the economic challenges facing Africa—from sluggish growth and fiscal pressures to political uncertainty—set against the shifting global landscape. His analysis combined practical market insight with academic depth, offering a compelling vision of how African economies can adapt and thrive amid global volatility.
Date: 6th May
Speaker Charlie Robertson
Summary: The second African Conversations lecture welcomed economist Charlie Robertson for a lecture on Africa’s development prospects. Drawing on his book The Time-Travelling Economist, Robertson argued that three factors—literacy, electricity, and fertility—are the real keys to escaping poverty, not corruption or resources. With decades of experience analysing emerging markets and as the first non-African to win African Banker’s Icon Award, he offered a compelling, historically grounded vision of how Africa can unlock sustained growth.
Date: 14th May
Summary: We supported the launch in Parliament of the APPG for Africa’s new report on Just Energy Transitions. Introduced by Co-Chairs Lord Oates and Chi Onwurah MP, the event highlighted the urgent need for inclusive, sustainable approaches to Africa’s energy future. With Arunma Oteh, Chair of the Royal African Society in attendance, the launch underscored the Society’s commitment to driving informed debate on climate, energy and development. The report calls for balancing climate ambition with affordable, reliable energy access — ensuring Africa’s transition is both just and transformative.
Date: 3rd June
SOAS x Royal African Society Book Discussion with Dr. Marc Sommers: We the Young Fighters: Pop Culture, Terror and War in Sierra Leone
Summary: SOAS and the Royal African Society held an engaging online book discussion with Dr. Marc Sommers on his acclaimed work, ‘We the Young Fighters: Pop Culture, Terror, and War in Sierra Leone’. We explored how pop culture icons like Bob Marley, Tupac Shakur, and Rambo shaped youth, conflict, and peace in Sierra Leone. This insightful event delved into the intersections of alienation, resistance, and hope, offering lessons for sustainable peacebuilding.
Date: 19th June
Summary: We held our Annual General Meeting (AGM) at SOAS, University of London. The AGM featured a comprehensive report on the Society’s affairs and future plans, delivered by the then Interim Director Andrew Skipper. Members engaged in meaningful discussions on recent challenges, reflecting on the Society’s achievements and its ongoing commitment to its mission. The AGM was followed by a reception, with drinks provided by Jordan’s wines from Stellenbosch, offering opportunities for networking and connection among attendees.
Date: 8th July
Business Lunch
Summary: The business lunch at Sotheby’s brought together a diverse group of corporate members to discuss Critical Minerals in Africa. In partnership with Veronica Bolton Smith of the Critical Minerals Africa Group, the event sparked insightful conversations on Africa’s pivotal role in global mineral supply chains. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Sotheby’s for their exceptional hospitality and to all attendees for their engaging contributions. This vibrant gathering marks the first of many to come, fostering collaboration and innovation in this vital sector.
Date: 25th July
Summary: The Royal African Society hosted a vibrant Summer Party at One Leicester Square, London. The event brought together a large number of members for an unforgettable evening of celebration, set against a fantastic panoramic view of the city’s skyline. With delicious food, and refreshing drinks, the rooftop gathering fostered connection and community. Both familiar faces and new members joined in the festivities, making it a truly memorable occasion to celebrate the Society’s mission of amplifying African voices and interests.
In the month of June, we supported 2 key events in partnership with SOAS:
- SOAS x Royal African Society Book Discussion with Dr. Marc Sommers: We the Young Fighters: Pop Culture, Terror and War in Sierra Leone
- SOAS x The Foundation for Science & technology: How can R&D collaboration with Africa support an agenda for sustainable growth in the UK and beyond?