The Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA, French: Conseil pour le développement de la recherche en sciences sociales en Afrique) is a Pan-African research organisation headquartered in Dakar, Senegal. Lyn Ossome currently serves as the President of CODESRIA with Zubairu Wai recently appointed as the 8th Executive Secretary of the Council.
Background CODESRIA was established in 1973. Its aim is to promote, facilitate and disseminate research (within the social sciences) throughout Africa and also to create a community in which members can work without barriers regarding language, country, age or gender. While CODESRIA is an active research organization it does not abstain from serving as a platform for political statements. Unlike many other organizations it does not agree with the traditional division of Africa in the social sciences where North Africa is often more or less left out, instead, it tries to equally represent the 5 regions in Africa (North Africa, East Africa, Central Africa, West Africa and South Africa).
To achieve their mission, CODESRIA cooperates with African institutes (e.g.: ERNWACA, Retrieved 7 October 2011. FSS Forum for Social Sciences Retrieved 7 October 2011.) and non-African institutes and organizations (e.g.: the ASC and the NAIPartnerships Retrieved 7 October 2011.). Funding is obtained through various donors ranging from the Dutch and Danish Foreign Ministries, the Senegalese Government, the Ford Foundation to the United Nations.Become a CODESRIA Funders Retrieved 7 October 2011. In 1997 the organisation received one of the Prince Claus Awards. CODESRIA has three governing organs, the General Assembly being the highest, followed by the Executive Committee (headed by Sam MoyoProf. Sam Moyo (2008–2011) Retrieved 7 October 2011.) and the Scientific Committee (headed by Takyiwaa Manuh), each with their own specific roles.
Contributions to Social Sciences CODESRIA grants scholarships. These grants comprise all levels from Master's degree to post-doctoral research, organizes conferences and programs focusing on issues related to the social sciences and humanities,Research Programmes Retrieved 7 October 2011. publishes in various forms (also see publications) and helps in setting up research training.Training Retrieved 7 October 2011. The CODESRIA College of Mentors, a Pan-African initiative aimed at strengthening research capacity in African universities, has featured mentors such as Abdul Karim Bangura, Mshai Mwangola, Josephine Ahikire, Amy Niang, and Laban Ayiro.
Leadership Since its establishment, CODESRIA has been led by Presidents and Executive Secretaries drawn from across Africa’s social science communities.
No. President Term of office 1 Jacques Kazadi Nduba Wa Dile 1973–1976 2 Kankam Twum-Barima 1976–1979 3 Justinian F. Rweyemamu 1979–1981 4 Jacob Mumbi Mwanza 1982–1985 5 Claude Ake 1986–1989 6 Taladidia Thiombiano 1989–1992 7 Ernest Wamba-Dia-Wamba 1992–1995 8 Akilagpa Sawyerr 1995–1998 9 Mahmood Mamdani 1998–2002 10 Zenebeworke Tadesse 2003–2005 11 Teresa Cruz e Silva 2005–2008 12 Sam Moyo 2008–2011 13 Fatima Harrak 2011–2015 14 Dzodzi Tsikata 2015–2018 15 Isabel Maria Casimiro 2018–2023 16 Lyn Ossome 2023–
No. Executive Secretary Term of office 1 Samir Amin 1973–1975 2 Abdalla Bujra 1975–1985 3 Thandika Mkandawire 1985–1996 4 Achille Mbembe 1996–2000 5 Adebayo Olukoshi 2001–2009 6 Ebrima Sall 2009–2017 7 Godwin Murunga 2017–2026 8 Zubairu Wai 2026–
Publications No. Journals Notes 1 Africa Development Is the quarterly bilingual journal of CODESRIA published since 1976 2 African Sociological Review 3 African Journal of International Affairs A bi-annual, peer-reviewed academic journal by CODESRIA covering contemporary African international affairs (ISSN 0850-7902). 4 Afrika Zamani 5 Identity, Culture and Politics: an Afro-Asian Dialogue 6 CODESRIA Bulletin Quarterly CODESRIA publication for social science discussion and research cooperation ISSN 0850-8712. 7 Journal of Higher Education in Africa 8 Africa Review of Books (started 2005, ) The ARB () is published twice yearly in English and in French. It is piloted by both the Forum for Social Studies (FSS), and the National centre of research in social and cultural anthropology (CRASC). 9 Africa Media Review 10 Afro-Arab Selections for Social Sciences
No. Online Publications Notes 1 Africa Development 2 African Sociological Review A bi-annual, peer-reviewed sociology journal published by CODESRIA, welcoming scholarly articles in English and French 3 Afrika Zamani 4 Identity, Culture and Politics : an Afro-Asian Dialogue 5 Monographs on line A research monograph series published by CODESRIA to disseminate original social science research and stimulate scholarly debate.
References
External links