In Istanbul, African scholars recently gathered for a groundbreaking forum organized by the African think tank Platform, aimed at tackling critical issues affecting the African continent. Held at Istanbul University, the event served as a comprehensive platform where students convened to discuss a myriad of topics ranging from healthcare to technology, global affairs, and the economy.

Souandaou Athoumani Ali, a student from Comoros and a representative of the Platform, highlighted the forum's significance in providing a space to address Africa's pressing issues. Established in 2019, the Platform has emerged as a vital repository of information, utilizing plagiarism detection tools and reviewing dissertations in Turkey to shed light on trending topics relevant to Africa. Ali emphasized the Platform's objective of fostering a fresh perspective on African studies in Turkey through international research and Afro-realistic thinking.

Alhaji Abdoul Fathi Sanago, the Platform’s general coordinator, expressed appreciation for the diverse range of discussions at the workshop. Presentations covered various themes including politics, healthcare, artificial intelligence, and more. Participants engaged in deliberations aimed at finding solutions to infectious diseases and political instability, both of which have significant implications for Africa's economy.

The Platform, according to Sanago, fosters inclusivity by welcoming African researchers from across the globe to actively participate in its initiatives. This inclusive approach extends to partnerships with non-African experts. Notably, presentations were conducted in Turkish, serving as a common language for African students residing in Turkey.

Central to the Platform's mission is the elevation of African voices and the promotion of solutions derived from African perspectives. The workshop underscored the importance of providing a platform for African ideas to take center stage, with a focus on generating ideas that benefit Africa as a whole.

The forum provided African students studying in Turkey with an opportunity to share their empirical and conceptual findings, contributing to a deeper understanding of African academic discourse. Their participation in discussions conducted in Turkish added valuable insights to the dialogue, showcasing the breadth and depth of African scholarship.

Participants at the Kwan Africa Workshop expressed optimism regarding the potential of such initiatives to address Africa's challenges. The Platform aims to further enhance exchange and collaboration, empowering local stakeholders to play a pivotal role in addressing Africa's most pressing issues. During the Prafric workshop in Istanbul, African students and scholars engaged in discussions on a range of topics including infectious diseases, political instability, and economic dogmatism.

The openness of the Platform, coupled with its commitment to amplifying African perspectives, underscores its significance in fostering exchange and collaboration among Africans. Participants left the workshop feeling hopeful about the transformative potential of these initiatives in other African countries.