Africa’s Economic Renaissance:Breaking Barriers, Building Futures

Join Dr. Gugu Selela, a lecturer in the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies at Clemson, for a thought-provoking discussion on Africa’s evolving role in the global economy. This talk will explore the continent’s vast economic potential, the structural challenges it faces, and the transformative opportunities on the horizon. Dr. Selela will examine the historical and contemporary forces shaping Africa’s economic landscape—from colonial legacies and trade imbalances to the complexities of foreign investment.

A special focus will be given to the pivotal role of African women in economic development, highlighting how gender-inclusive policies can drive sustainable growth. The discussion will conclude with an exploration of African-led solutions, emphasizing the need for policies that prioritize equity, innovation, and long-term prosperity.

(**About Location: On the Corner – 517 West Washington)

Date & Time Apr 23, 2025 12:00 PM

- 1:30 PM

Location: Greenville Water Community Room

407 W Broad St, Greenville, SC 29601

Guest Speaker: Dr. Gugu Selela

Lunch Option: Catered All boxed lunches include a choice of 6" Deli sandwiches with American Cheese, lettuce, and tomato. Includes Groucho's Formula 45 Sauce, pickles, chips, cookies & bottled water | Caterer: Groucho's Deli | $14 per person

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Boxed Lunch

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Dr. Gugu Selela

Gugu Selela is a lecturer in the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies and teaches within the Women’s Leadership Program. She is a Ph.D. candidate in Policy Studies and is in the final semester of her doctoral studies. Gugu is also an Elinor Ostrom Fellow. As a South African scholar, she specializes in teaching courses on gender and sexuality, women in global perspectives, gender and politics, gender and policy leadership, and African politics.Her research interests encompass intersectional feminism, Black and African feminism, women’s leadership and gender policies, intersectional mainstreaming, social justice, and political participation. Gugu’s Ph.D. work examines the role of Black women policymakers and Black feminist approaches in shaping gender-based violence policies in the United States, utilizing the Narrative Policy Framework to analyze policy making processes and discourse.

More About this Event

Topic Questions about Discussion:

Dr. Gugu Selela will explore Africa’s evolving role in the global economy, examining its economic potential, structural challenges, and opportunities for transformation. The talk will delve into historical and contemporary factors influencing Africa’s economic landscape, including colonial legacies, trade imbalances, and foreign investment. Additionally, Dr. Selela will highlight the critical role of African women in economic development and the need for African-led solutions that prioritize equity, innovation, and long-term prosperity.

Key questions for discussion include:

How have colonial histories and trade imbalances shaped Africa’s current economic position?
What structural challenges continue to hinder Africa’s economic growth, and how can they be addressed?
How do foreign investments impact Africa’s development—are they a path to progress or a form of economic dependence?
What role do African women play in driving economic transformation, and how can gender-inclusive policies accelerate sustainable growth?
How can African nations take the lead in shaping economic policies that foster innovation, equity, and long-term prosperity?

Beyond the Headlines is a Lunch and Learn speaker series that presents fact-based information on today’s most pressing global issues. Events will have academic or research institution thought leaders as speakers, giving background and remarks on the topic before allowing audience members to ask questions and engage in discussion. Providing a non-political-based platform for sensitive topics will enable people to broaden their horizons and ask questions that facilitate growth on the subject matter. The series is free without lunch and open to the community.