Understanding Disruption.
Shaping Africa's Future.
The African Futures and Disruption Studies Lab is a collaborative research platform dedicated to understanding social, political, economic, and technological disruptions across Africa — and translating evidence into practical, policy-relevant solutions.
About Us
Understanding Change,
Designing Solutions
The African Futures and Disruption Studies Lab was created to address a growing gap between research and real-world action. Across Africa, rapid societal change is often studied after the fact and in isolation. The lab brings together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and communities to study disruptions as they unfold, identify shared patterns, and co-create solutions grounded in real-world contexts.
How We Work
A Solutions-Driven
Research Approach
Our methodology is rooted in participatory, action-oriented research. We work directly within real-world settings to ensure that research findings are grounded, relevant, and actionable.
Identify Disruptions and
Underlying Patterns
We analyze social and political change across regions to detect recurring mechanisms.
Co-Create Research
with Stakeholders
Participants actively shape research questions, methods, and outcomes.
Design and Test Pilot
Actions
Practical initiatives are developed and implemented in real contexts.
Translate Evidence into
Policy and Practice
Findings are presented in accessible formats to support informed decision-making.
Projects
Governance Under Pressure: Institutional Responses to Political Disruption
This research project examines how digital platforms and social media shape youth political engagement, protest movements, and new forms focusing...
Ìrìnkèrindò: A Journal of African Migration
Ìrìnkèrindò is a peer-reviewed journal dedicated to advancing scholarly understanding of African migration, mobility, and displacement.
Mobility, Borders, and Belonging: Rethinking Migration Governance in Africa
This publication explores contemporary migration governance frameworks across Africa, questioning existing policy assumptions and proposing alterna...
Digital Transformation and Social Change in African Cities
Examining how rapid technological adoption is reshaping urban governance, economic opportunities, and social structures across major African cities...
Why This Work Matters
Building Resilient Futures
Societal disruptions rarely occur in isolation. By identifying shared patterns and testing practical responses, the lab supports evidence-based strategies that strengthen resilience, inclusion, and informed policy responses across Africa.
