Distinguished Africanist Award

The ASA Distinguished Africanist Award was established in the 1980’s to recognize and honor scholars who have contributed a lifetime record of outstanding scholarship in their respective field of African studies and service to the Africanist community.

The award includes an ASA lifetime membership, roundtrip economy airfare up to $1,500 to the Annual Meeting, up to four nights in the conference hotel, registration, and a plaque presented at the Annual Meeting Awards Ceremony. Distinguished Africanists will also receive one gratis registration for a guest.

Eligibility

Criteria for the Award are the distinction of contribution to Africanist scholarship, as measured by a lifetime of accomplishment and service in the field of African studies. Contributions to scholarship within and without the academic community are considered.

Nomination

Any member of the Association may nominate a living candidate. The primary nomination letter should detail: the nominee’s contributions to African Studies scholarship; their originality and trans-continental impact on theory, method, and/or the development of concepts; their resonance beyond the scholar’s discipline and the field of African Studies; and address the nominee’s history of mentorship and service. The nomination dossier must include a recent curriculum vitae and three or more additional letters of support from ASA members, two of which must come from institutions other than that of the candidate.

The complete dossier of the candidate must be submitted as a PDF emailed to the Executive Director at asaed@africanstudies.org by April 30 annually.

Nominations remain active for five years, and the award committee has the option of keeping a candidate file open for an additional period. The nominating member may provide additional information, including an updated vitae and additional support letters during the five-year period.

2026 Committee:

Distinguished Africanist Award Winners

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