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 Logo of ZIAF, the Centre for interdisciplinary African Studies Logo of ZIAF, the Centre for interdisciplinary African Studies

Welcome to ZIAF

ZIAF is the Centre for interdisciplinary African Studies at Goethe University. We represent and coordinate research and activities related to the African continent at the university and its partner institutions. Our members are experts in a wide variety of subjects and academic disciplines, representing nine departments in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

Archaeological excavation in Chad

Carlos Magnavita

Research projects

MIASA members standing in front of a poster

Stefan Schmid

Network programs

Field school students in Malawi

Christian Albrecht

Teaching & Early Career Researchers

Book What is restitution

Korassi Téwéché

Seminar on African Philosophy in Frankfurt

This Semester, African philosophy will be taught in a dedicated seminar at the Department of Philosophy at Goethe University by Dr Korassi Téwéché. A full description and programme can be found in the link below.

Lecture series Winter semester 2026/27 -The World and France

The lecture series addresses continuities and postcolonial perspectives in France. Researchers from Germany and France examine the history, present and future of the French Empire from an interdisciplinary perspective.

Afrika-Kollquium, Institut für Ethnologie

All dates and events in the winter semester 2026/27

Latest Press releases

All Articles
Event Poster German-Senegalese Education Week
Press Release

German-Senegalese Education Week Brings Educational Exchange to Frankfurt

Five teachers from Goethe University’s partner school CEM Keur Baka in eastern Senegal will spend a week visiting schools and the university.

Book cover Africa Knowledge Hans Peter Hahn, Sylvestre Kouakou
Press Release

“Africa Knowledge”: A Pathway Beyond Stereotypes

German perceptions of Africa continue to be shaped by clichés and stereotypes, some of which have their roots in the colonial era. Contemporary media coverage often contributes more to narrowing than broadening public understanding of the continent. The edited volume “Africa-Wissen” [Africa Knowledge] by Prof. Hans Peter Hahn and Dr. Sylvestre Kouakou takes a closer look at this phenomenon. Through transdisciplinary media analyses, the book demonstrates how particular perspectives continue to be reproduced in public discourse.