Meet the new director: Marleen Dekker

Marleen Dekker, Professor of Inclusive Development in Africa, became director of the African Studies Centre Leiden on 1 April 2021. In this interview she talks about the impact of COVID-19 and lockdowns on the progress in poverty reductions in Africa, considering to do fieldwork with adjusted protocols in countries that have no mobility restrictions, and the societal role academics have to play. 'The idea that Africa is not a country is gaining ground'. Read the interview.

(Photo credit: Sandra Hazenberg)