Founding meeting · 4 September 2026
Launch of Agora Négritude
The group’s first meeting, held in Paris: the starting point of the initiative led by UGE France.
View the meeting
Report [in preparation].
Aimé Césaire1913 – 2008 · Martinique
Léopold Sédar Senghor1906 – 2001 · Senegal
Léon-Gontran Damas1912 – 1978 · French Guiana
Paris, 1935 · founders of L'Étudiant noir
An initiative of UGE France, launched in Paris on 4 September 2026
A space to understand the issues facing the continent and to debate them together.
Africa in conversation.
The Agora
What is Agora Négritude?
A circle of reflection and learning where students, professionals and citizens study African public questions together. Each month, a session prepared by a member opens a reasoned debate.
- LaunchParis, Friday 4 September 2026
- Led byUrban Great Event France (UGE France)
- ParticipantsStudents, doctoral candidates and professionalsEngineering, finance, human resources, management control, education.
- RhythmOne session a month by video callThree in-person meetings a year are planned.
Meetings
Our meetings since 4 September 2026
Select a date to see the theme and format of the session.
Session no. 2 · 11 October 2026
Institutions, democracy, governance and development pathways in Africa
Introductory presentation by Anaëlle, followed by a group discussion and an open forum.
- Anaëlle
View the session
Summary memo [to be published].
Session no. 3 · 8 November 2026
How has the debt economy shaped the architecture of African public finances to this day?
Legacy, dependence and paths to sustainability
Session prepared by Eric (Vakevanzwa) Kamukanzo and Komlan Christophe AGBEDISSE: an introductory presentation, followed by questions and group discussion.
- Eric (Vakevanzwa) Kamukanzo
- Komlan Christophe AGBEDISSE
Next meeting · session no. 3
Join the next meeting
Theme: How has the debt economy shaped the architecture of African public finances to this day?
Session prepared by Eric (Vakevanzwa) Kamukanzo and Komlan Christophe AGBEDISSE. An introductory presentation, followed by time for questions and group discussion.
Sunday
8 November 2026
- 6.30–8.30 pm, Paris time
- By video call on Microsoft Teams
- Joining link sent by email after registration
Registration via a Google Form.
Programme
Our working themes
Fourteen topics grouped into six areas. Every session and every published memo relates to one of them.
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Institutions and governance
Democracy, institutions, justice, public accountability and civic participation.
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Education and human capital
Education, research, training, youth, leadership and skills.
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Economy and industrialisation
Public finance, employment, production and local processing.
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Agriculture, energy and infrastructure
Food sovereignty, energy sovereignty, transport and public facilities.
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Health, digital and environment
Health systems, technology, data, environment and climate.
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Culture and international relations
Identities, culture, media, diplomacy and regional integration.
Our purpose
Why does the Agora exist?
Training, the maturing of ideas and the meeting of minds are essential steps towards better understanding public affairs and contributing to their management.
Constantin Atsu ANAGO, known as “Prince”, founding president of UGE France and initiator of the Agora
Method
How do our meetings work?
Every session follows the same format, whether by video call or in person.
- 1
A topic and its presenters
A member or a guest speaker prepares the session around a theme from the programme.
- 2
An introductory presentation
The scope of the topic, the established facts and the questions it raises.
- 3
Questions and discussion
Everyone questions, adds to or challenges the analysis, with arguments.
- 4
A written summary
Once written, the summary is published as a memo.
1 sessiona month, by video call
3 meetingsa year in person (planned)
- Listening
- Rigorous argument
- Respect for others
- Openness to disagreement
Getting involved
Get involved in running the Agora?
Beyond attending sessions, active involvement means helping the organising team bring the Agora to life: giving your time, your skills and your regular commitment to the project.
- Prepare and present a session
- Write or proofread memos
- Suggest speakers and readings
- Organise in-person meetings
- Lead the Agora’s communications
- Manage the tools: registrations, video calls
Initiator of the Agora
Constantin Atsu ANAGO known as “Prince”
Engineer, project manager in industry and founding president of Urban Great Event France.