TAWeek 2013

The first Think Africa Week was hosted in 2013, October 7-11th. Students with mutual interest towards development and Africa, decided to organize a week where actors from different backgrounds, yet common curiosity towards the continent and its’ people, would blend together, exchange knowledge, experiences and thoughts and, who knows, maybe even build teams and create ideas never seen before.

In collaboration with UniPID and Helsinki Think Company, the event also aimed to update people’s image about Africa.The parts that the organisers have lived, worked, collected data and/or traveled in, are a lot more diverse than the common media image lets many believe. Therefore, the event focused on bringing some depth and width to peoples’ mindsets about “the lost continent”, and show that Africa is far more than just poverty or constant struggle. Africa is more about creativity, hybridity and unused potential. Like the opening speaker Iina Soiri, the head of Nordic Africa Institute, has pointed out: “It is time to stop feeling sorry for Africa.”

Participants at the event were presented with new insights on what is currently happening in the African continent and why it is imperative to take an interest in the developing world. Speakers included the director of the Nordic Africa Institute; Iina Soiri, Member of Parliament and Special Representative of the Foreign Minister of Finland in African crises Pekka Haavisto. Startup-guru and coach at Startup Sauna Aape Pohjavirta, Docent of African History at the University of Helsinki, Risto Marjomaa, and many more.

“I enjoyed Think Africa week. It gave me inspiration for my future career and I made valuable connections, opening crucial doors later in my life.”

Auri Evokari, Think Africa Week 2013 attendee