Anchored in the general 2025 Black History Month theme, UMOJA Day brings together the EUI community, researchers and participants from neighbouring universities, particularly those of African descent.
The event provides a space to share experiences and engage in critical dialogue on the intersections of contemporary labour movements, migration, identity, and the creative industries, while celebrating the resilience and cultural richness of African and Black communities.
This year's UMOJA Day, will explore how labour from Africa and its diaspora continues to shape global narratives, focusing on four key themes: the rise of African talent in the tech sector, driven by innovations like mobile banking (e.g. M-Pesa) and ride-hailing services (e.g. Bolt, SafeBoda); the global expansion of African creative industries, including Afrobeats, Nollywood, acrobats; the contributions and challenges faced by migrant labourers, particularly youths and seasonal workers; and the role of women in informal trade and cross-border entrepreneurship, which sustains local economies and communities. By connecting these themes, the panel will illuminate how African labour is not only a force for economic growth but also a catalyst for cultural and social transformation. The hour-long discussion will be followed by a 30-minute audience Q&A.
Speakers:
Linda Oucho, PhD - Migration expert and executive director of the African Migration and Development Policy Centre (AMADPOC)
Samuel Botchway - Research Fellow/Consultant/Monitoring and Evaluations professional at Development Impact West Africa (DIWA)
Gilbert Ang’ana, PhD - Florence STG Policy Leader Fellow, CEO/Founder of Accent Leadership Group and expert in leadership, policy, and research. With a robust background in financial services in East Africa.
Since this marks the second edition of UMOJA Day, we aim to foster a deeper appreciation of the diverse cultures that enrich our school community. To celebrate our shared heritage, attendees are encouraged to wear traditional attire and bring national flags. In addition, there will be a short film, and organisers will prepare local dishes representing the rich and diverse traditions of the African continent.
We look forward to seeing you there!