On 4 December Emile van Rouveroy van Nieuwaal passed away. Van Rouveroy van Nieuwaal worked at the African Studies Centre from 1967 to 2002. Van Rouveroy’s main academic interests were African chieftaincy and customary law. He published books, articles and films about these topics.

The Include Knowledge Platform, of which the ASCL co-hosts the Secretariat, and postdoctoral researcher Eric Cezne have won a grant from the International Development Research Centre for the project 'Making green hydrogen work in Africa: Addressing the skills gap and employment prospects for youth and women'.

PhD candidate Carlien Donkor has been awarded a scholarship under the Patrimonies Funding Initiative of the Gerda Henkel Foundation. She recieves the funding for her PhD project ‘Navigating the Dualities of Inclusive Development within Living Heritage Sites in Sub-Saharan Africa: Nzulezo, Ghana’.

A lively Stephen Ellis Debate took place on 4 December. Pascah Mungwini, Professor of Philosophy, gave a thoughtprovoking keynote - 'considering what we are witnessing around the world today, this topic could not have come at a better time' - followed by an engaging debate.

The ASCL proudly presents its new Research Programme for 2025-2029: African Trajectories: Past Dependencies and New Directions. Building on its former programme Strident Africa, the new research agenda extends the recognition of Africa’s pivotal role in world affairs.

The African Library has renewed its web dossier on African Philosophy, showcasing the richness of traditions, thinkers, political voices, and artistic expressions in this field. Special attention is given to its relevance for conflict resolution, peace, and security in Africa, the subject of this year’s Stephen Ellis Debate.