Africa is closer: the first international festival “I want to work in Africa” held at RUDN

Platform 1: A round table on business cooperation between the countries of Russia and Africa, organized jointly with the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which discussed the ways of interaction between the university and the employer, as well as business development opportunities on the African continent. As a result of the event, a cooperation agreement was signed between the Club of Employers and the National Tourism Union. More information about the Round Table can be found here.

Platform 2 "Russian companies - African students":

At a special session from Rosatom State Corporation, the senior manager of the project office for improving the quality of education, international cooperation and project administration of Rosatom State Corporation, Yulia Dmitrieva told the guests about specialized education as the first step to successful employment and about joint projects of Rosatom State Corporation and Russian universities. Viktor Polikarpov, adviser to the Chisinau Rusatom-International Network told the students about the prospects of nuclear energy in Africa and the employment opportunities for these projects.

At a master class from Danone, the speakers talked about how the world of FMCG works and showed which way the product goes from idea to the final result, and SALYUS representatives gave a lecture on the topic “Open System”.

At platform 3, “Inside Look: Speakers from African Countries - Students and Graduates,” students and guests of the festival were given the opportunity to learn about African countries from employers from Zambia, Tanzania, Ghana, and Gambia.

The section was opened by the speaker from Zambia, Julius Kaoma, Executive Director of Technical Affairs at Universal Mining & Chemical Industries Ltd. with a speech: “Build Africa of Dreams Together.” Mr. Kaoma spoke about the current problems of the region and tried to draw attention to them.

The second speaker was Ellen Otaru Okoedion (Tanzania). Miss Otaru Okoedion Ph.D., member of the Board of Letshego Bank Tanzania, chairman of the Tanzania Environmental Journalists Association, member of the Tanzania Women's Chamber of Commerce. From the very first minutes she was able to inspire the audience speaking about the features of employing students from East Africa based on her rich experience in active work in various fields. Also, during the presentation, the topic of a woman’s career in Africa was touched upon, the gender issue still remains an extremely relevant topic for the African region.

Nii Ofori Quaye Hans Bernard (Ghana), head of the press service of the Mayor of Accra, introduced the audience to the features of the municipal government of Accra, the economic center of the Republic of Ghana. The speaker also spoke about the nuances of finding employment in state bodies at the municipal level in Ghana and urged students to return to their homeland in order to demonstrate the skills acquired during the training for the benefit of Africa.

Lang Contech, Chairman of Dikon Associates Co. General Trading Ltd (Ghana) dedicated his presentation to the agricultural sector of Gambia. He spoke about the climatic features of the country and the prospects for the development of the agrarian region of both Gambia and other African countries. Like the first speaker, Julius Kaoma, he expressed interest in developing business ties with Russian companies.

In conclusion, Ava Gai, TV presenter and producer of the Gambian Radio and Television Service (GRTS), spoke about her career, the beginning of which was in early childhood. Ava Gai also addressed gender equality in Africa, and in particular in Gambia. The speech was especially interesting for students and graduates of journalism, because it is the clearest example of a woman reaching career heights, despite many obstacles.

At platform 4, Alternative Opinion, a presentation was held by Olga Kuzmina, representative of Ankor HR Holding on how to make the perfect CV. During the presentation, students asked questions and discussed common mistakes in compiling a resume. At the end of the lecture, students played an interactive game to better remember the information and find errors in the resume on their own.

Lecture "What is CyberSports and how to become part of it" discussed the e-sports industry, relevance of this sport and a list of specialties in e-sports. Cyberium eSports Academy experts talked about what eSports is and how to get into it.

“We are convinced that nothing can replace direct contact of employing companies with students and graduates. The “I want to work in Africa” festival was created to find solutions to fill the labor market in the African region. The format of the Festival implies a cultural component, which is why we end the festival with an exhibition of student associations and a festive concert! The first Festival is a success and, judging by the reviews, the participants liked it, so the International Employers Club is planning a whole series of Festivals - “I want to work in Latin America / Asia / the Middle East,”  said Natalia Neporada, Executive Director of the International Employers Club, festival director.

The festival was held as part of the Russia-Africa Forum: Science - Education - Cooperation.