The African Studies Centre is an independent scientific institute that undertakes social-science research on Africa and aims to promote a better understanding and insight into historical, current and future social developments in Sub-Saharan Africa. The organisation’s main objectives are to promote and undertake scientific research on Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in the field of the social sciences and humanities(1); to function as a national centre in the field of African studies and to contribute to the education and teaching in these sciences (2); and to promote the dissemination of knowledge and an understanding of African societies in the wider public sphere (3).