AFRICA YOUNG GRADUATES AND SCHOLARS (AYGS) CONFERENCE
ALUMNI INITIATIVE
Background and Motivation for Establishment of AYGS Alumni Chapter
- No post conference follow-up, “the conference is organised on an annual basis. Scholars prepare research papers, present them and go their separate ways after the conference.”
- Knowledge production process is not an event, but a process, “we need to maintain contact for scholars to remain inspired and continuously stimulated after the conference ends.”
- Research skills are life-long investments that contribute to better career prospects.
- We want to ensure that emerging researchers continuously feed into knowledge production and innovation ecosystems geared towards Africa’s development.
Purpose of the AYGS Alumni Initiative
The AYGS Alumni Initiative was established to address critical gaps identified at the annual AYGS Conferences, particularly the lack of post-conference engagement among participants. Traditionally, scholars present their research findings at the conference, engage briefly, and then part ways, making it challenging to sustain collaboration and maximise the value of their research and professional networks. Recognising that knowledge production is an ongoing process, the Alumni initiative aims to build a dynamic community of young African emerging researchers who remain connected, inspired, and dedicated to advancing knowledge production and innovation for the development of the African continent.
The initiative also seeks to empower young scholars in the early stages of their careers by providing opportunities for mentorship, research collaboration, and professional growth. This ensures that their participation in the conference hones their research skills and serves as a lifelong investment in contributing to Africa’s evolving knowledge and innovation landscape. The establishment of this alumni network enables the AYGS to reinforce its commitment to nurturing a new generation of African researchers who will continuously contribute to knowledge production and innovation ecosystems geared towards Africa’s development.
The purpose of establishing this initiative is to facilitate post-conference engagements among the existing network of scholars who have participated in the conference over the years since the inception of the AYGS. The AYGS Alumni initiative will be crucial in addressing gaps in academic writing and presentation skills, enhance understanding of the publishing process, bridge the gap between research and practical solutions to development challenges, and build capacity and experience to effectively respond to societal challenges.
Coordinating Committee of AYGS Alumni Initiative
The interim coordinating committee of AYGS Alumni Chapter was officially established at the 19th AYGS Conference held at University of Mpumalanga in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, from March 4th to 6th, 2025. Participants were invited to volunteer for the interim coordinating committee, led by Dr. Toyosi Craig, to spearhead the initiative. The appointed interim committee comprises five members: 1) Dr. Toyosi Craig, 2) Ms. Jacquilne Majuva, 3) Ms. Magdeline Sipone, 4) Ms. Sheila Ashiono, and 5) Mr. Glen Maimela.
Activities of Alumni Initiative during the AYGS 2025 Conference
On March 5, 2025, during the conference gala dinner, we held an AYGS Alumni Experience and Opportunities Sharing Session moderated by Dr Naledi Nthite. The session featured key speakers, including Prof. Check Achu, a chief research specialist in Governance, Peace, and Security within the Africa Institute of South Africa Human Sciences Research Council, who shared remarks on the need to build the AYGS Alumni Initiative.
Dr.Toyosi Craig, an AYGS Alumnus and an Energy and Regulatory Reporting Specialist at the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), reflected on the importance of emerging scholars maintaining their networking connections beyond the conference.
Dr. Oshupeng Maseng, another alumnus and a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Political Science programme coordinator at the University of Mpumalanga and senior political science lecturer at the North-West University, reflected on the challenges and opportunities for African emerging scholars to collaborate and exchange opportunities.
Persistent gaps identified for development of young African Scholars
