*takes place during the 10am to 6.30pm period (excluding weekends) for a total of 26 hours

The Global Relations Office (GRO) is organising the e-STEER Sub-Saharan Africa programme, which comprises a series of webinars and virtual activities to facilitate an introduction and spur engagements with the intriguing Political History/Economic and Social Developments/Wildlife Conservation/Business Opportunities/Heritage/Cultures of Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda and South Africa. These countries have specially been curated as they have developed strong, bilateral, political, economic and trade ties with Singapore. In many ways, they serve as the gateways for increased business investments, cultural ties, peoples-to-peoples exchanges in Sub-Saharan Africa/Singapore.  Many companies in these African countries are also using Singapore as a base for their expansion into Asia. Sub-Saharan Africa has a population of over 1.1 billion with 6 of the world’s 10 fastest-growing economies over the previous decade being situated in this region. With 42% of its inhabitants being younger than 15 years, this represents tremendous potential for social and economic transformations. Through the e-STEER Sub-Saharan Africa programme, participants will discover this relatively unknown continent through an immersive study of a broad range of historical, cultural, environmental, political, business subjects that are presented to guide the participants to understand the strategic imperatives facing this continent. The programme will examine topics beyond the news headlines.

These include:-

: Analyzing the richness of the “Mother Continent” not just in terms of mineral wealth and raw materials which had attracted the Imperialist Powers in their “Scramble for Africa” in the 19^th century but also in terms of its cultural offerings, which have a profound effect globally on music, aesthetics and cuisine.

: Venturing to historical venues to hear the stories of injustices associated with the Slave Trade and the African Diaspora since the 1500s and critically assessing its impact.

: Understanding wildlife conservation/biodiversity management beyond the confines of safaris.

: Probing into the little publicized economic transformation successes of African states; and its huge market potentials.

: Examining the Business Strategies of Singapore MNCs/SMEs operating in Africa.

The e-STEER Sub-Saharan Africa programme will comprise two parts:-

• Part 1 is now open for registration. The programme will mostly be conducted virtually.
• Part 2 will take place in Botswana/Rwanda/South Africa/Ghana* itself when the current Covid-19 related travel restrictions are lifted. Please note that Part 1 is operated independently of Part 2. That is, participants, joining Part 1 of the programme are not required to continue with Part 2. However, participants who complete Part 1 will enjoy priority admission for Part 2 when it is offered.
  *Subject to confirmation

• The programme is specially designed to provide participants with a springboard introduction to Sub-Saharan Africa. Opportunities to learn, analyse and synthesize social/cultural/political/economic developments that continue to shape this continent will bring you up to speed from a novice to an enlightened and conversant enthusiast.
• Learn about the European colonization, including the British Imperial Experience (Boer Wars), and more recently neo-colonialism and its impact on society, economy, trade.
• Analyze the motivations, legislations and impact of laws under the Apartheid system, the anti-Apartheid resistance, as well as Transitional Justice following its dismantlement in South Africa.
• Discover the political history of South Africa through perspectives in music.
• Examine the nexus between Law, Religions and the Environment, through a special focus on the work of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Wangari Maathai.
• Explore issues related to environmental stewardship; and the delicate balance between sustainable development and growth.
• Learn about African aesthetics – including the influence of Javanese batik on West African fabric designs.
• Learn about Singapore’s investments in Africa and e-network with senior corporate executives from MNCs, such as Tolaram, on how they have successfully penetrated the African market.
• Examine the entrepreneurial landscape through case studies of Start-Ups in IT sector (FinTech and Tech).
• Learn about the economic transformations from governmental officials and academics.
• Network/expand your social networks with professionals associated with African interests in Singapore, ’meet’ with corporate executives, officials from Singapore governmental agencies and explore professional career options in Africa.
• Savour authentic and tasty dishes from the Swahili coast, Nigeria and Rwanda, as part of a remote simultaneous dining experience*.

*The programme fee includes a home-delivered meal from Kafe Utu (vegetarian options can be requested/alternative Halal option from another restaurant can also be arranged).

How can I apply?

The e-STEER Sub-Saharan Africa 2021 programme is open to all full‐time NUS students.

Students interested in e-STEER Sub-Saharan Africa 2021 programme will be required to apply for the programme through the Education Records System* (EduRec) by Friday, 22 October 2021.

To find the programme in the system, search using setup ID 02007

Students encountering issues in submitting their application via EduRec may write to Jasper Tang grottd@nus.edu.sg for the application form.

Application results will be announced by Tuesday, 26 October 2021*. Selected candidates will be required to accept the offer in EduRec and pay the programme fee of S$80 to secure their places by Monday, 1 November 2021*.
*subjected to change

S$80 (inclusive of a home-delivered dinner from Kafe UTU).

All unused monies collected will be returned to participants after completion of the programme.

Check out the e-STEER website here for more details.

For additional information or related queries, please click here or write to Jasper Tang grottd@nus.edu.sg