The African Studies Outreach Program is pleased to help establish constructive and collaborative bridges between local and state officials to the African continent. Our aim is to facilitate an awareness and sensitivity to interests raised by African people and governments.

We regularly sponsor visits by African Ambassadors or former heads of state, who visit the University of Illinois campus, mayors from Champaign-Urbana, and local and state representatives in Springfield. They also participate in public addresses aired on public television. The Ambassador Series has brought in ambassadors from Senegal, Rwanda, Angola, and South Africa. In 2003, we were also pleased to host President Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia.

We work with local, state and federal offices by seeking their engagement in our educational programming. When notable scholars or public intellectuals speak about African affairs or issues, we have welcomed the participation and attendance of members of Champaign County's Human Rights Commission, Illinois International Trade Offices, Illinois Public Health Offices, and more.