Swiss Society for African Studies SSAS/SGAS/SSEA

The Swiss Society for African Studies aims at advancing research on Africa, including the organization of conferences to discuss questions of African lifestyles and other aspects of African societies and cultures. Contributing to the circulation of relevant information, the SSAS understands itself as a platform for synergies and collaboration between universities and research institutions. It strives to enhance the visibility and the institutionalization of African Studies in Switzerland.

Founded in 1974, the SSAS is based on the Area Studies model. With this in view, it offers opportunities to connect researchers and the interested public in a theme-oriented and multidisciplinary exchange. Alternating with thematic conferences, the biannual “Swiss Researching Africa Days” promote the exchange among researchers at different stages of their careers.

On its own or in cooperation with other organizations, the SSAS regularly organizes conferences and symposia at universities in Switzerland’s different linguistic regions. These include “International Museum Cooperation between Africa and Europe”, “Africa and the Academy”, “Islam in Africa”, “Assessing Quality and Performance in Area Studies”, “Social Policy and Regimes of Social Welfare in Africa”, “Land-Rush”, “Re-Figuring the South African Empire”, “Nouveaux mouvements religieux”, “Mémoire africaine en péril”, “Visualising the Game”, “Living the City”, “Africa on the Move” and “La SuissAfrique: partenariats scientifi ques et académiques”.

The SSAS publishes a biannual newsletter of 40 pages relating to recent topics. Additionally, the SSAS edits anthologies, readers and other publications in order to advance African Studies in Switzerland and internationally. The SSAS is a member of the Swiss Academy of Humanities and Social Sciences.