Experts Discuss Role of Non-Profit Sector in African Countries in Addis Ababa
The HSE Centre for Studies of Civil Society and the Nonprofit Sector, together with the World Peoples Assembly, organised the roundtable ‘NGOs in African Countries. The Invisible Force of Change.’ The event took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as part of the World Public Summit: Africa. Experts discussed the role of the non-profit sector in the development of African countries, as well as contemporary approaches to assessing its contribution to social development.
The roundtable brought together John Aggrey, Director General of the Ghana–Russia Centre for Trade and Relations; Yonas Wolde Semayat, Founder and Vice President of the Ethiopian Professional Associations Alliance (EPAA); Irina Mersiyanova, Director of the HSE Centre for Studies of Civil Society and the Nonprofit Sector; and Anar Izden, Executive Director of the Qorqyt Public Foundation for International Cooperation and Development.
The discussion was moderated by Viacheslav Ivanov, Chief Expert at the HSE Centre for Studies of Civil Society and the Nonprofit Sector. He outlined the key challenges facing participants: ‘Today, one of the key challenges remains the limited availability of reliable knowledge about the non-profit sector. Many countries lack comprehensive statistical data that would enable an objective assessment of the scale of NGO activity, their economic contribution, their impact on addressing social challenges, and their role in achieving national development goals.’
The participants emphasised the growing importance of the non-profit sector in Africa's social development. Civil society organisations are actively engaged in a wide range of areas—from education and healthcare to environmental protection, women's empowerment, and youth development—thereby making a significant contribution to improving people's quality of life across the continent.
John Aggrey stressed that NGOs in Africa often operate where government mechanisms have limited reach, making them key drivers of social transformation.
The roundtable experts paid particular attention to the development of a modern statistical framework for recording the activities of non-profit organisations, establishing common approaches to monitoring the state of civil society, and creating tools to assess NGO effectiveness.
Irina Mersiyanova highlighted the importance of robust evidence: ‘Without systematic data, it is impossible to develop effective policies to support civil society. We need to speak the language of measurable indicators.’
The participants also reviewed the experience of the HSE Centre for Studies of Civil Society and the Nonprofit Sector in depth. Since 2006, the centre has been conducting regular monitoring of the state of civil society in Russia. According to the experts, adapting its most effective research practices to the specific contexts of African countries could provide the basis for a robust methodology for studying civil society across the African continent.
‘International cooperation in this field not only enables the exchange of experience but also helps develop universal approaches that take regional specificities into account,’ Anar Izden concluded.
The roundtable participants agreed to establish an international working group to develop a methodology for studying the activities of non-profit organisations in African countries, drawing on Russian experience while taking into account the national characteristics of states across the continent.
The roundtable's recommendations will be presented at the Second World Public Assembly ‘New World: Values That Unite,’ which will take place in Moscow in September 2026. They will contribute to the international dialogue on the development of civil society institutions and public diplomacy.
The World Public Summit: Africa ‘New World: Africa in Shaping a Common Future’ took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on July 29–30, 2026. The event brought together 2,000 delegates from more than 50 countries. It was organised by the World Peoples Assembly and the Global Black Centre. The summit convened leaders in public diplomacy, representatives of government authorities, international and regional organisations, universities, the expert community, the business sector, youth organisations, the media, and the cultural sphere. The programme featured two plenary sessions and 11 thematic sessions, as well as exhibitions, concerts, agreement-signing ceremonies, and a range of other events.
See also:
Dancing, Drums, and African Languages: HSE University Holds First Afro Festival
On April 23, 2026 the first large-scale Afro Festival was held in the central atrium of the HSE University Pokrovka building. The event was organised by the African Students Association together with the Support and Career Centre for International Students and Alumni. During the festival, HSE students and staff explored the cultures of African countries by listening to music, dancing, and getting to know one another.
HSE Scholars Debunk Myth That Africans Fear Russia’s Harsh Winters
Career prospects in Russia prove to be more important for African students than climate, language barriers, or everyday difficulties. HSE researchers came to this conclusion after analysing survey results from students representing 28 countries across the continent. The key factor influencing their decision is the opportunity to start working while still studying.
‘HSE Is an Exceptional Chance in My Life’
Mohammed Yassir Ali Osman, from Sudan, graduated from HSE’s Master’s Programme in Population and Development. He is now a doctoral student at the HSE Doctoral School of Sociology and conducts research at the Laboratory of Social and Demographic Policies at the Vishnevsky Institute of Demography. Recently he presented his dissertation on the migration intention of African students in Russia. In this interview with the HSE News Service, Mohammed Yassir Ali Osman shares the highlights of his research, his future plans after completing his PhD, and his advice for prospective researchers.
‘A Bridge Connecting Russia and Africa’
The HSE Centre for African Studies has marked its fifth anniversary. It was established to support Russian companies and government bodies in their engagement with countries across the continent and, over the years, has proved its effectiveness and uniqueness. A ceremonial event to mark the centre’s anniversary was held at HSE’s Cultural Centre.
Showcasing the Diversity of African Heritage at HSE University–St Petersburg
On April 26, HSE University–St Petersburg held the African Festival. Currently, there are more than 100 students from 20 African countries at the university, most of whom showed up for the first festival of its kind this April. HSE's African students proudly presented their traditions, cultural values, vibrant dances, and unique landmarks of their countries. It was an unforgettable journey into the colourful culture and multifaceted heritage of Africa.
HSE Days in Ghana: How the University Attracts Talents and Expands Cooperation with Africa
In March 2025, HSE Days took place in the Ghanaian capital of Accra, the cultural hub of Kumasi, and the Bono East region. Representatives of the university awarded participants of the HSE International Olympiad (HSE INTO 2025) and spoke to local school pupils and university students about educational opportunities, scholarship programmes, and application pathways to HSE University.
HSE Presents an Analytical Handbook on Africa for African Leaders
The HSE University Centre for African Studies has presented an English-language expert-analytical handbook titled ‘Africa 2025: Prospects and Challenges.’ For the first time, Russian experts have prepared a comprehensive work aimed at an African audience rather than Russian readers. The handbook incorporates a significant amount of new data and introduces new approaches for assessing development prospects. The presentation took place in Sochi on November 9, 2024, during the First Ministerial Conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum.
HSE Experts Help to Implement Science and Technology Foresight in Africa
The population of African countries is growing so fast that the continent is likely to play a significant role in global development. However, the socio-economic situation in African States remains dramatic. Access to high-quality education, the development of science and high technologies are crucial in addressing these challenges. Professor Alexander Sokolov, Head of the UNESCO Chair on Future Studies at HSE University, spoke at the International Forum of UNESCO Chairs and Partners ‘Transforming Knowledge for Africa’s Future.’ The event took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Keeping Dialogue Open with Africa: Rectors of Regional Universities Visit HSE
At the end of April 2024, HSE University hosted an international conference ‘Export of Russian Education to Africa: Challenges and Opportunities.’ The event was attended by leaders of universities from Mali, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Niger, and Guinea. Together with their Russian counterparts from government bodies, scientific and higher educational institutions, they outlined paths for the development of humanitarian relations and agreed on possible cooperation in the face of a changing world order.
HSE Hosts Round Table ‘Africa and BRICS: Reflections and Prospects’
On April 15, 2024 HSE University hosted a roundtable discussion ‘Africa and BRICS: Reflections and Prospects.’ The event featured leading experts from the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) Steven Gruzd and Gustavo de Carvalho and was moderated by HSE Vice Rector and Head of the BRICS Expert Council–Russia Victoria Panova.