Background and Rationale

The Department of Political Science and Public Administration, University of Nairobi, in partnership with the Hungarian African Research Center at the University of Pees, will host an International Conference on the Nature of the State in Africa in the 21st Century. The African continent has been experiencing significant political, economic, and social changes in the 21st century, driven by both systemic and internal factors, including the rise of new economic powers in the global South, shifts in international aid and investment, and the rise of digital technology and political decentralization. Concurrently, many African states face persistent challenges, including weak governance institutions, inequality, poverty, corruption, and violent conflicts. The nature of the African state is being conceptualized and re-conceptualized through various lenses, including state sovereignty, nation­ building, regional integration, and the evolving nature of state power amidst such internal challenges and external pressures. African states are also crafting new roles in the changing global context. The conference will engage scholars, policymakers, civil society activists, and other stakeholders in a robust discussion about these transformations and their implications for Africa’s political futures. By bringing together diverse perspectives, we hope to foster meaningful discussion and generate actionable strategies to address the challenges that African states face to chart a course toward sustainable development, governance, and active participation in understanding the role of the state in this transformation, which is crucial for ensuring a prosperous future for the continent.

 

Conference Themes

• Historical Context and Evolution of the African State
• Governance and Legitimacy in the 21st Century
• State Sovereignty in the Age of Globalization
• Regional Integration and Pan-Africanism
• State Fragility and Conflict
• Security and National Defense
• Economic Transformation and the Role of the State
• The Rise of DigitalTechnologies and Innovation
• Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change

 

Conference Objectives

• Explore the historical evolution of the African state and its changing role in the 21st cen
• Analyze the relationship between state sovereignty and globalization in Africa.
• Examine the effects of democratization, good governance, and state legitimacy on African governance.
• Discuss the challenges of state fragility, governance failures, and the persistence of conflict in many African countries.
• Investigate the role of African states in regional and global politics.
• Evaluate how Africa’s engagement with global institutions, transnational corporations, and foreign powers is reshaping statehood.
• Provide recommendations for strengthening the African state to respond to contemporary challenges.

 

Target Audience

• Academics and researchers in political science, African studies, international relations, economics, and related fields.
• Government officials,     policymakers,    and public servants engaged in state governance and reform.
• Representatives of    international organizations  and  NGOs working on governance and development in
• Civil society organizations advocating for democratic reforms and human rights.

• Students and young leaders interested in African politics and state-building.

 

Methodology

• Keynote speeches by prominent figures from academia and government
• Panel discussions and presentations on key
• Exhibitions and presentations by sponsors.
• Networking sessions for researchers, scholars,       and civil society actors.

 

Keynote Speakers

• Dirk Berg-Schlosser, University of Marburg, Germany
• Istvan Tarrosy, African Research Center, University of Pees, Hungary
• Adams Oloo, Department of Political Science and Public Administration, University of Nairobi

 

  CONFERENCE DATE: 22-23 October 2025 Venue – University of Nairobi,

 

Registration Fees

• Students	Ksh. 1000
  Local & International Students	Ksh. 2000 (US $16)
  Local scholars	Ksh. 5000 (US $40)
  International scholars	Ksh. 7000 ($50)

 

Expected Outcomes

• Research papers and publications on the changing nature of the African state.
• Policy recommendations     for African  governments  and stakeholders
• Networking and collaboration opportunities for scholars and policymakers.
• Public awareness about the importance of state development in the 21st century.

 

Organizing Committee

• Musambayi Katumanga: mkatumanga.@uonbLac.ke
• P Fred Jonyo: fredjQDY.o..@uonbj.ac.ke
• Oscar M. Otele: otele@uonbLac.ke
• P Istvan Tarrosy: tarrosy.jstvan@pte.hu
• Zoltan Voros: voros.zoltan@gte.hu
• Melinda Szappanyos: szar.1ganyos.melinda@gte.hu

 

Submission

Send your abstracts/papers to: P.SP.a-sP.r@uonbi.ac.ke and tarrosY,.istvan@P.te.hu Deadline for Submission of Abstracts (250–300 words): 31st July 2025 Notification of Acceptance: 15th August 2025 Submission of Full Papers: 30th September 2025