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Hormuud Lecture

Established in 2013 and updated in 2017, the Hormuud Lecture was made possible by a gift from Hormuud Telecom Somalia, Inc., facilitated by former ASA President Abdi Ismail Samatar. The biennial lecture features African scholars, and focuses on the themes of leadership, development, and democracy in Africa, broadly defined. The lecture may serve as a draft manuscript for submission to African Studies Review, to be submitted within 6-months of the lecture. The Association will attempt to alternate African scholars based in Africa with those in the diaspora.

The Hormuud Lecturer will receive a $1,000 honorarium, up to $2,500 in travel expenses for economy roundtrip airfare and conference hotel, and registration for the Annual Meeting.

Nomination and Invitation

In consultation with the ASA Executive Director, the Annual Meeting Committee nominates speakers for full Board approval. The final invitation is issued by the ASA President. A speaker will be confirmed by May 31 annually.

Past Hormuud Lecturers:

  • 2024

    H.E. Abena P.A. Busia (Rutgers University), “On The Demanding Forward Flight of the Diasporan Sankofa Bird: Reflections on the First Preparatory Congress of the African Union 6th Region”

  • 2022

    Dr. Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili (Former Minister of Solid Minerals of Nigeria)

  • 2020

    Ambassador Arikana Chihombori Quao

  • 2019

    Dr. Sabelo Ndlovu-Gatsheni (University of South Africa)

  • 2018

    Dr. Mahmood Mamdani (Columbia University)

  • 2017

    Rafael Marques de Morais, A Journey for Rights and Dignity: A Participant’s Observation

  • 2016

    Dr. Takyiwaa Manuh, ‘Apres moi le deluge’-Planning for leadership succession in Africa

  • 2015

    Ahmed I. Samatar, Development and Culture: Reflections on the Somali Experience

  • 2014

    Dr. Maxi Schoeman, A Crisis of Leadership? Reflections on 20 Years of Democracy in South Africa