News

From 9–12 April 2026, students, academics, diplomats, and experts gathered at the University of Bayreuth for BAYMAU26. Entitled “Pathways to Women’s and Youth Empowerment,” the Model African Union conference explored inclusive leadership, gender equality, and African perspectives through workshops, panel discussions, and African Union simulations, fostering dialogue, diplomacy, and intercultural exchange.

By Ginevra Moruthoane

From 9 to 12 April 2026, the University of Bayreuth hosted the Model African Union (MAU) conference, organised by the student association Model African Union Bayreuth e.V. This year’s conference brought together students, academics, and experts under the theme “Pathways to Women’s and Youth Empowerment: Building Inclusive Institutions and Shifting Norms for Sustainable Development”. Over four days, participants engaged in committee simulations, keynote and workshop sessions, as well as cultural events that highlighted the importance of youth and women’s engagement. By examining the African Union’s GE-WE (Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment) strategy and institutional approaches to gender-equitable and inclusive leadership, the conference created a space for young people to engage with African issues under the guidance of experts, activists, and academics. Throughout the programme, BAYMAU26 brought together diverse perspectives and fostered a spirit of collaboration, diplomacy, and intercultural exchange.

Opening Ceremony

BAYMAU26 started with a public Opening Ceremony held at Iwalewahaus. Following introductory remarks by President Ginevra Tsepiso Moruthoane, attendees heard welcoming addresses from University President Prof. Dr. Stefan Leible, Prof. Dr. Rüdiger Seesemann, Chair of the “Africa Multiple” Cluster of Excellence, the Director and Spokesperson of the Institute of African Studies (IAS) Prof. Dr. Stefan Ouma, H.E. Alice Mashingaidze, Ambassador of the Republic of Zimbabwe to Germany, and H.E. Mafelile Molala, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Lesotho to Germany.

Prof. Dr. Natasha A. Kelly then delivered an opening speech entitled “Beyond Inclusion: Cultural Agency and the Future of Academic and Cultural Institutions”, which addressed the potential of inclusive institutions and set the tone for the days ahead. The ceremony ended with a performance of the African Union anthem and musical accompaniment by two students of the University of Bayreuth. To conclude the day, participants had the opportunity to visit the exhibition “Journey Through the Collection,” curated by François Régis Hitimana.

Workshops and Panel Discussions

On the second day of the conference, interactive workshops prepared participants for the African Union simulations. The programme elements were designed to build upon one another, creating a continuum between theoretical input and practical simulation. Participants engaged with the general theme of gender and youth empowerment, covering topics such as migration, masculinity, institutions, and leadership, all through intersectional perspectives. In the morning, Sabelo Mcinziba held the workshop “An Exploration of Decolonial African Masculinities Towards Inclusive Gender Justice”, focused on the construction and deconstruction of masculinities across epochs and contexts. Simultaneously, Prof. Dr. Serawit Debele held a workshop entitled “Thinking Intersectionally about Rural Women and the Limits of Empowerment Discourses”, which delved into intersectional approaches to analysing how rural women are vulnerable to exploitation and violence.

The afternoon hosted two further workshops: “Who Gets to Lead? Challenging Norms and Building Inclusive Institutions” by Dr. Jane Ayeko-Kummeth, which explored biases, systemic barriers, and cultural norms that dictate leadership trajectories; and “Intersections: African Refugee Women, Gender Inequality and the Cycle of Displacement” by Prof. Dr. Olajumoke Yacob-Haliso, which examined how gendered inequalities shape African refugee women’s displacement.

To balance the academic workload, an Afro Dance workshop was also offered between sessions. The day ended with a public panel discussion, “Redefining Masculinities in Africa through Power, Socialisation, and Digital Identities”, which highlighted the necessity of fostering positive forms of masculinity. Jenny Mushegera moderated the conversation between researchers and experts Dr. Christabel Aba Sam and Samah Khallaf Allah, who discussed various ways to redefine these concepts.

Side Programme for Ambassadors

While participants prepared for the African Union simulations, the ambassadors and First Counsellor — representing Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Kenya respectively — took part in a decolonial walking tour of the city of Bayreuth. This was followed by a meeting involving representatives of MAU, the University of Bayreuth, the Cluster of Excellence, the Institute of African Studies, and the Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies (BIGSAS). The programme concluded with a “Q&A with the Ambassadors”, which allowed participants to engage with diplomacy professionals and gain rare insights into the lives of diplomats, providing a deeper understanding of work in the foreign service.

Committee Sessions

At the core of BAYMAU26 were the committee sessions, modelled on the African Union’s Specialized Technical Committees (STCs). Delegates represented AU member states and debated pressing issues through position papers, negotiations, and draft resolutions. This year’s committees included the Specialized Technical Committee on “Gender and Women’s Empowerment” and on “Public Service, Local Government, and Decentralization”. The four days concluded with the simulation of the Pan-African Parliament, where participants presented their drafted resolutions. A ceremonial presentation of certificates to participants and volunteers marked the official close of BAYMAU26.

Sponsors and Support

This year’s Model African Union Bayreuth e.V. conference was made possible through the financial and logistical support of the Cluster of Excellence “Africa Multiple”, a longstanding partner of the association. Equal thanks are due to the Oberfrankenstiftung, whose funding enabled the invitation and hosting of guest speakers. Additional funding was provided by Brot für die Welt and Universitätsverein. We also extend our thanks to AfriZert and BIGSAS for their support.

Outcomes and Reflections

BAYMAU26 succeeded in cultivating key leadership skills among participants — including public speaking, negotiation, and cross-cultural communication — while deepening awareness of Africa’s complex realities. For many, it was both a learning experience and a call to engage more actively with global affairs. The conference affirmed the importance of combining academic rigour, diplomatic practice, and cultural exchange. We at MAU are particularly honoured that participants travelled internationally to attend — a reminder of the significance of student-led organisations and the value of the work we do. Model African Union Bayreuth continues to contribute to a nuanced understanding of Africa’s role in global politics, and we remain committed to creating the change we wish to see.