The Future is Africa
Ideas and Innovation at the Epicenter of Transnational Africa
October 30–31, 2026
SUNY Geneseo, New York
Conference@nyasa.org
48th NYASA Annual Conference
The New York African Studies Association invites scholars, educators, students, practitioners, artists and community leaders to its 2026 Annual Conference, hosted at SUNY Geneseo, October 30–31, 2026.
This conference explores how global Africa and its diasporas are generating innovative frameworks, policy ideas, cultural movements, and intellectual contributions that shape the future of the world.
Drawing from cross-disciplinary, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary perspectives, we invite proposals that consider questions of movement in relationship to identity and existence amongst Africans and how such evolutions advance African futures.
Conference Leadership
NYASA Chair: Professor Remi Alapo
Local Conference Chair: Professor Ọlaọcha Nwadiuto Nwabara (SUNY Geneseo)
Registration (Opening Summer 2026)
Academic/ Professional (incl. NYASA membership)
$130
Graduate Students (Online/ in-person)
$35
Undergraduate Students (Online/ in-person)
$25
Important Deadlines
March 30 – May 1
Early Abstract Submission
Abstract Submission Deadline
Conference Awards
NYASA Distinguished Africanist Award
Recognizing distinguished contributions to African Studies
Ali A. Mazrui Outstanding Publication Award
For outstanding book and educational activities
NYASA Book Award
Honoring excellence in Africana scholarship publications
Tom & Corinne Nyquist Service Award
For outstanding service to NYASA
Roger Gocking Student Award
Recognizing exceptional student contributions
Best Student Paper Award
$500 prize for the best student paper presented