Call for Papers
Policy Research Institute of African Studies Association of India (PRIASA), New Delhi and
Centre for African Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, India in collaboration with Wolkite
University, Ethiopia is organizing sixth Doctoral Scholar international conference in African
Studies on “Development, Diaspora and International Relations of African Countries” which
will be held at Wolkite University, Ethiopia on 10th December 2014.
Concept Note
Development, Diaspora and International Relations of African Countries
In the recent past many counties of Africa are showing a positive growth rate. This economic
growth rate is country specific and varies from country to country. The end of cold war and
advent of globalisation have presented them with many options and new international partners to
choose from. Many countries of Africa are now having growth rate over 5%. Developing
countries especially Resource rich African countries have gained importance in the eyes of other
influential actors in international trade. The role played by external players both traditional
western countries and emergent countries like India, China and Brazil are significant in the
development of the African countries. China has been the most active in investing in Africa
followed by India in various capacity building programmes. Their role has been significant not
only in economic terms but it also influenced the socio-political development as well as the
public policies of the respective African governments.
Globalization in Africa has thrown up, as in other parts of the world, Diasporas as a major
resource partner in the development and nation building of African countries. Diasporas within
Africa and Diaspora of Africa could become significant financial resources. Iy plays important
role in social and political dialogue, advocacy and awareness. As the Diaspora gain more voice
and recognition they get more opportunities of participation in the host and home country’s
political processes. While Africa faces severe financing constraints for development, remittances
by African migrants have become a significant source of capital gain. The remittances by the
Diaspora have been increasing every year in Africa. In 2008 it totaled $26 billion which reached
to $40 billion in 2012. The funds remitted by African Diaspora are used for different social and
development purposes which are evident from their involvement in community development
through hometown associations (HTAs) and philanthropic activities in their countries of origin.
It also makes them an indispensable human agency for channeling wealth, information,
innovative ideas, intellectual capacities and skills and creative business practices to Africa.
Though Africa benefits from foreign investments and sizeable diaspora remittances, one of the
major challenges faced by the region is to reduce the cost of remittance and channelize this fund
for development.
This seminar will focus on understanding development of Africa under globalization, role of
Diaspora as a resource in development and developmental support to Africa from the traditional
players like the western countries as well from the emerging new players like India, China, and
Brazil. The proposed seminar will therefore focus on the following sub-themes, though it will not
necessarily be confined to them:
 Dimensions and issues of Development in Africa
 Comparative analysis of role and impacts of traditional and emergent powers in
the development process of African countries.
 Role of Diaspora within and Diaspora of African countries in social, economic
and political development of Africa
 Issues of literary and cultural development in African countries
 Ethiopia: Issue of Development, Diaspora Engagement and Indo-Ethiopian
Relations
Abstracts and Practicalities
The conference organizers are accepting abstracts for the same. Please submit your abstract
(Max.250 words) by 10th June 2014. The abstract selection will be communicated by 20th June
2014. All those whose abstracts are accepted need to submit a draft paper of 5000 words by 15th
of September 2014 and final paper by 1st November 2014 on emails given below.
There will be no registration fee for the paper presenters. The seminar organizers will provide
local hospitality that includes accommodations, all meals during conference, conference kit and
local transport during conference to all participants whose draft papers are received by the due
dates. Participants will also be allowed to attend international conference on “India and Africa:
Developmental Experiences and Bilateral Cooperation” which will be held on 8-9 of December
2014. Doctoral scholars are encouraged to submit paper around their thesis topic but relating to
broad conference sub-themes outlined above. While sending your abstract please send your short
CV and exact registered Ph. D. thesis topic. Pleased send your abstract and short CV to
Coordinator, [email protected] copy marked to [email protected]