Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa
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 Pan-African research organisation headquartered in Dakar, Senegal. The recently outgone President is Isabel Casimiro[1] while Godwin Murunga is the current Executive Secretary. [2]
| Conseil pour le développement de la recherche en sciences sociales en Afrique | |
 | |
| Website | http://www.codesria.org |
|---|---|
Background
editCODESRIA 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.[3] While CODESRIA is an active research organization it does not abstain from serving as a platform for political statements.[4] 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,[5] FSS[6]) and non-African institutes and organizations (e.g.: the ASC[7] and the NAI[8]). Funding is obtained through various donors ranging from the Dutch and Danish Foreign Ministries, the Senegalese Government, the Ford Foundation[9] to the United Nations.[10] 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 Moyo[11]) and the Scientific Committee (headed by Takyiwaa Manuh[12]), each with their own specific roles.
Contributions to Social Sciences
editCODESRIA grants scholarships.[13] These grants comprise all levels from MA to post-doctoral research,[14] organizes conferences and programs focusing on issues related to the social sciences and humanities,[15] publishes in various forms[16] (also see publications) and helps in setting up research training.[17] Within the CODESRIA environment different strains of thought can be discerned, namely an older, more Marxist oriented group and a younger, neo-liberal group. A third group is characterized by people active in women studies and civil movements.[18] Most of the programs offered to people are however dominated by men with the exception of the gender institute (2007 figures).[14]
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.[19]
Leadership
editSince its establishment, CODESRIA has been led by Presidents and Executive Secretaries drawn from across Africa’s social science community.[1][20]
| 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 |
| 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–present |
Publications
edit| 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).[21] |
| 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, ISSN 0851-7592) | The ARB (Revue Africaine de Livres) 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
edit- 1 2 "The Executive Committee". CODESRIA. Retrieved 18 December 2025.
- ↑ "Kenyan scholar Godwin Murunga lands continental think-tank job". Daily Nation. Retrieved 18 December 2025.
- ↑ "Prof Dzodzi Tsikata Elected President of CODESRIA". University of Ghana. 25 June 2015. Retrieved 16 September 2015.
- ↑ "Threat of military intervention in Zimbabwe". 11 December 2008. Archived from the original on 9 March 2012. Retrieved 7 October 2011.
- ↑ ERNWACA Partners Retrieved 7 October 2011.
- ↑ About Forum for Social Studies (FSS) Forum for Social Sciences Retrieved 7 October 2011.
- ↑ "Strategic Partners". Archived from the original on 1 September 2009. Retrieved 7 October 2011.
- ↑ Partnerships Retrieved 7 October 2011.
- ↑ "PHEA Accomplishments 2000–2010" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 August 2014.
- ↑ Become a CODESRIA Funders Archived 2012-04-25 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 7 October 2011.
- ↑ Prof. Sam Moyo (2008–2011) Archived 2012-04-25 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 7 October 2011.
- ↑ "Takyiwaa Manuh – Professor". Archived from the original on 25 April 2012. Retrieved 7 October 2011.
- ↑ "Grants Programs – CODESRIA". Archived from the original on 2011-12-28. Retrieved 2011-10-07.
- 1 2 "Annual Rep" (PDF). CODESRIA. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 April 2012. Retrieved 7 October 2011.
- ↑ Research Programmes Archived 2012-01-05 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 7 October 2011.
- ↑ "FAQs / CODESRIA". Archived from the original on 2011-12-28. Retrieved 2011-10-07.
- ↑ Training Archived 2012-01-05 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 7 October 2011.
- ↑ http://www.volkskrant.nl/vk/nl/2668/Buitenland/archief/article/detail/653395/2005/12/17/Oude-marxisten-versus-jonge-liberalen.dhtml Retrieved 7 October 2011. [dead link]
- ↑ "2023 CODESRIA College of Mentors Doctoral Students Mentorship Institute – Facilitators and Programme of Activities" (PDF). CODESRIA. 23 October 2023. Retrieved 24 October 2025.
- ↑ "Former Executive Secretaries". CODESRIA. Retrieved 18 December 2025.
- ↑ "African Journal of International Affairs". CODESRIA. Retrieved 18 December 2025.