As part of ECOSOCC's university outreach initiative, today, in collaboration with partner organizations Oxfam and TrustAfrica; currently on a working visit to ECOSOCC, engaged with Cavendish University to explore avenues for strengthening efforts to popularize AU policies and programmes.
This engagement aligns with ECOSOCC's core mandate to promote greater awareness of the African Union and bring its work closer to the African citizenry.
The ECOSOCC delegation, led by Mr. William Carew (Head of the ECOSOCC Secretariat), Mr. Kyeretwie Osei (Head of Programmes), and Ms. Carol Jilombo (Senior Communications Officer), were joined by Ms. Brenda Mofya (Head of the Oxfam UN Office in New York) and Mr. Briggs Bomba (Programs Director at TrustAfrica), met with representatives from Cavendish University Zambia to explore potential areas of collaboration.
The university was represented by Mr. Tresphard Matente (Dean of the School of Law), Amb. Michelle Manda (Faculty), Mr. Lloyd Thole (Head of Department), and Dr. Freeborn Kibombwe (School of Arts, Education and Social Sciences).
The meeting focused on practical partnerships including mentorship for law students, guest lectures, joint research, and internship opportunities through ECOSOCC's University Outreach Programme.
ECOSOCC shared updates on its existing outreach activities, such as the Kenneth Kaunda Graduate Immersion Programme, the Young Africans Writing Contest, and guest lecture series on African Union institutions and the African Peace and Security Architecture. These efforts aim to help students connect their academic training with the real-world policy landscape of the African Union.
Ms. Mofya highlighted the need to strengthen legal perspectives in discussions on continental integration and encouraged more engagement with law students around the potential of legal careers in boosting Africa's global standing, particularly on issues such as UN Security Council reform and the review of the UN Charter.
Mr. Bomba shared some of TrustAfrica's work in Zambia and also spoke about their broader youth-focused initiatives across the continent. He highlighted a major partnership with the Mastercard Foundation spanning ten African countries, which supports youth employment and enterprise.
Cavendish University Zambia is also preparing to launch a new academic program on Political Science and Peace Studies, creating further opportunities for collaboration around governance, human rights, and African integration.
Both sides expressed interest in formalizing the partnership and will continue discussions in the coming weeks.
