Registration Link for the Book Discussion. https://lnkd.in/dSZSadyq Discussion | New African Thinkers: Trade and Sustainability Under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.
We are pleased to share the announcement of an intellectually engaging Book Discussion on “New African Thinkers: Trade and Sustainability Under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement”, being organized by the Indian Research Scholars Association (IRSA) in collaboration with the Human Science Research Council (HSRC), University of Johannesburg, South Africa.
📅 Date: 21 August 2026, Friday
🌐 Mode: Online via Google Meet
The discussion will bring together distinguished scholars and researchers from India, South Africa, Kazakhstan, and the United States to critically engage with contemporary debates surrounding African trade, sustainability, regional integration, development, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The session will be enriched by the presence of:
| Welcome Address | Dr. Vikash Kumar, President of the Indian Research Scholars Association |
| Introductory Remark | Prof. Thokozani Simelane, Human Sciences Research Council, University of Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Keynote Speaker | Prof. Siphamandla Zondi, Professor, University of Johannesburg, and Commissioner, National Planning Commission of South Africa |
| Chief Guest | Prof. Saket Kushwaha, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, University of Ladakh and Former Vice Chancellor, Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh |
| Panelist | Dr. Dipoo Mashifane, University of Venda, South Africa |
| Panelist | Dr. Lusungu Molefi, University of Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Panelist | Prof. Akbota Zholdasbekova, Faculty at L.N Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Kazakhstan |
| Presidential Remark | Prof. Dev Nath Pathak, Associate Dean, Social Science, and Faculty of Sociology, South Asian University, New Delhi. |
| Vote of Thanks | Dr. Lokpa Tamang |