The Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination (LISD) is pleased to announce the 2025–2026 cohort of Africa Program Fellows. This year, 20 undergraduate and 7 graduate students have been selected to join the program.

Building on LISD's portfolio of research, outreach, and education, the Africa Program fosters meaningful inquiry, collaborative research, and policy engagement on critical issues facing the African continent and its global intersections. Proposed by students seeking a dynamic and inclusive platform for Africa-focused dialogue, the program is grounded in a vision of research-informed, action-oriented, and community-driven engagement. Through faculty mentorship and institutional support, fellows are empowered to design events, contribute to scholarly discussions, and connect with policymakers and practitioners working across Africa. The program’s core mission is to deepen student understanding of African affairs while promoting interdisciplinary exploration and student leadership. It is co-directed by LISD Research Scholar Barbara Buckinx and LISD Executive Director Nadia Crisan.

A student-driven initiative, the Africa Program is co-led by Cooper Austen ’26 and Brian Mhando ’26, with Sydney Leigh Smith serving as the graduate advisor.