African Centre for the Study of the United States - ACSUS

🌍 Celebrate Black History Month with ACSUS!
The African Centre for the Study of the United States (ACSUS) at Wits University is hosting a program highlighting the stories of African Americans who have relocated to South Africa.

This event will explore:
✨ Contemporary diaspora movements
✨ Cultural exchange
✨ The lived realities of building life and community across continents

📅 2nd March 2026 | 1pm – 3pm
📍 Venue: Graduate Humanities Centre, Wits University

Come join the conversation and celebrate the global Black experience!

Missed AFSA Conference 2025? We’re continuing to share the powerful conversations from this year’s gathering.

One of the key sessions featured a panel hosted by South African Resource Watch:

“Technology & Critical Minerals: Paving the Way for Value Addition – Assessing Challenges and Opportunities.”

As global demand for critical minerals accelerates, Africa faces a strategic choice:

Will we remain exporters of raw materials — or lead in value addition, beneficiation, and stronger positioning in global supply chains?

This discussion explores: • The geopolitics of critical minerals

• Technology and industrial transformation
• Structural challenges facing African economies
• Strategic opportunities for long-term development
If you’re interested in Africa’s economic future, industrial policy, or global resource governance, this is a conversation worth engaging with.

🎥 Watch the full panel — link in the comments below.

📸 Moments from Our Strategic Retreat

Following a focused and productive strategic retreat held from 4–5 February, we wrapped up the session with a few team moments outside the venue.

The retreat created valuable space for reflection, alignment, and forward planning, setting a strong foundation for the work ahead. These snapshots capture the team spirit at the close of an engaging and insightful experience.

Looking forward to translating these discussions into action. 💡✨

HAPPENING TOMORROW✨

Wits Alumni Relations is thrilled to be hosting a webinar on US–USA Relations: Navigating Geo-Political Tensions, in partnership with the African Centre for the Study of the United States.

We have had an overwhelming response — the event is now oversubscribed! If you’ve already registered, please be sure to connect promptly at 15:00 SAST to join the discussion with Dr Bob Job Wekesa and Dr Thelela Ngcetane- Vika, moderated by Dr Kabaso Kabwe.

📣 Registration is officially open for the Africa–US Universities Network Conference, happening from 1–3 July 2025 at the Wits - University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg! (Hybrid format: attend in person or online.)

Hosted by the African Centre for the Study of the United States - ACSUS, this conference brings together scholars, university leaders, policymakers, and students to explore bold, action-oriented partnerships between African and U.S. higher education institutions.

🔍 Conference Themes Include:
▪️ Africa–Diaspora academic engagement
▪️ Joint academic programmes and student exchanges
▪️ Decolonising higher education
▪️ University–industry–government collaboration
▪️ Digital learning and innovation
▪️ Cultural diplomacy and entrepreneurship

🎓 What to Expect:
Keynote speeches, panel discussions, research presentations, networking sessions, and much more.

💸 Registration Fees:
▪️ In-person: $150
▪️ Virtual: $75
📌 Wits staff and students receive discounted rates.

💳 Payment Options:
EFT
Account Name: UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND JOHANNESBURG
Account Number: 62077141580
Branch: BRAAMFONTEIN
SWIFT Code: FIRNZAJJ
Reference: AUSUNC + Your Name

Or pay online via PayPal:
▪️ In-person: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/ZAXU8R4CV4YYC
▪️ Virtual: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/TWQFVJGW9X768

📝 Register here: https://forms.gle/tyShtgSFADGd2jXP9
🔗 More Info: https://www.africa-usforum.africa/events/advancing-academic-collaboration-between-africa-and-the-united-states/
📧 Questions? Email us at [email protected]

🤝 Conference Partners:
▪️ Center for African Studies at Howard University
▪️ The George Washington University, Institute for African Studies
▪️ USC Annenberg Center - CCLP
▪️ The Public Diplomacy Council of America

Join us for an exciting and transformative dialogue on the future of higher education partnerships between Africa and the United States! 🌍📚

🌍 Join Us for a Special Webinar! 🌱🏙️

The African Centre for the Study of the United States (ACSUS) at Wits University invites you to an exciting online discussion on:

📅 Date: Wednesday, 04 June 2025
🕒 Time: 15:00 (SAST)
💡 Topic: The Role of Smart Cities in Mitigating Climate Change

How can smart cities help tackle the growing threat of climate change? 🌡️💻
Join us as we explore how technology and innovation can build more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive urban spaces across Africa and the US.

✅ Register here: https://forms.gle/kU5cHGzSBABFLefXA
📲 Don’t forget to check out the poster below for more info!

Spread the word and bring a friend! 🌐🌳

🌍🤝 Thrilled to share the exciting experience we had hosting a delegation from North Carolina A&T State University at the Wits - University of the Witwatersrand with the African Centre for the Study of the United States - ACSUS!

Their visit was incredibly enriching. We engaged in insightful discussions, exchanged innovative ideas, and explored potential collaborations that promise to strengthen the bonds between our institutions. The dedication to excellence and community impact demonstrated by the faculty and students was truly inspiring.

We look forward to building on the connections we've made and working together towards a brighter future. Thank you to everyone from North Carolina A&T State University for your visionary spirit and commitment to global partnerships!

🌍 Empowering Africa: Advancing Climate Resilience and Sustainability on the Continent 🌍

We are thrilled to announce the release of our first policy brief for 2024, focusing on critical climate action issues in Africa. Titled "Empowering Africa: Advancing Climate Resilience and Sustainability on the Continent," this brief delves into key strategies and challenges facing the continent amidst the climate crisis.

Highlights include:

🔹 Taxing Windfall Profits: Leveraging fossil fuel profits to fund climate adaptation and the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA).

🔹 Critical Minerals and Metals: Harnessing Sub-Saharan Africa’s resources for economic development and clean energy, while ensuring African agency in resource management.

🔹 Climate Finance and Investment: Urging a substantial increase in climate finance to boost resilience and mitigation efforts.

🔹 Great Green Wall Initiative: Exploring the potential of the Great Green Wall in combating desertification and fostering sustainable development in the Sahel.

Our comprehensive analysis and actionable recommendations are designed to empower policymakers and stakeholders in driving climate resilience and sustainability across Africa.

🌐 Dive deeper into our policy brief and join us in fostering a sustainable future for Africa. Read the full document here: https://bit.ly/45BAlUL

🚨 Missed our webinar on the recent South African elections yesterday? No worries! You can now watch the full recording on YouTube. 📺✨

Gain insights into the political dynamics, voter behavior, and the socio-economic context influencing the elections.

Check it out here: https://youtu.be/sACrMz5J2Ck

2024 South African Elections Webinar

📢 Join Us for an Insightful Webinar on South Africa's 2024 General Elections!

We are excited to invite you to a thought-provoking webinar discussing South Africa's general elections, held on the 29th of May 2024. This event promises to provide in-depth analysis and diverse perspectives on the outcomes, implications, and future trajectory of the country's political landscape.

🗓️ Date: 06 June 2024
🕒 Time: 15:00 (SAST) / 09:00 (EST)
🌐 Platform: ZOOM

Our esteemed panel of experts, including political analysts, and academics, will share their insights on the recent elections and their impact on various aspects of South Africa's future.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and engage in meaningful discussions about South Africa's political future. Whether you are a political enthusiast, academic, or simply interested in the country's affairs, this webinar is for you!

📌 Connect to the webinar: https://bit.ly/3X60PeQ

Looking forward to your participation!