Law scholar appointed to new international role

A School of Law and Politics Professor has been appointed as the university’s new Dean of International for Africa.

Professor Ambreena Manji is a Kenyan legal academic who has been Professor of Land Law and Development at the School of Law and Politics since 2014. Prior to joining the university, Professor Manji was Director of the British Institute in Eastern Africa, a British Academy research institute headquartered in Nairobi. She has published widely on African law and society and as a former President of the UK African Studies Association, she now edits the leading African studies journal, African Affairs.

As African higher education thrives, the sector is seeking to ensure that it retains African scholars, supports their research ambitions, and showcases their international excellence. The newly created Dean of International for Africa role will provide dedicated academic leadership to the university’s partnerships and initiatives in Africa and foster new opportunities to extend our profile, reach and impact in the region.

Professor Manji’s tenure began in January 2023. She brings to the role longstanding direct experience of working and teaching in African higher education institutions, as well as extensive personal and professional connections through her research and collaborations.

On taking up the role, Professor Manji said “As a member of Africa’s global academic diaspora, I look forward to Cardiff’s enhanced commitment to African institutions, partnerships and collaboration. At a time when partnerships with African universities are being keenly sought by many institutions, we will need to showcase Cardiff’s excellence in teaching and research and make a compelling case for the university as an equitable partner in order to strengthen our mutual capacity and capabilities, including by creating opportunities for international mobility.”

Head of the School of Law and Politics, Professor Warren Barr said, “Our international cohort, both students and staff, is incredibly important to us and we work hard to make our school a welcoming environment for all. Professor Manji’s new appointment will no doubt encourage more students and staff from Africa to join us in Cardiff which is something I’m really excited for. I look forward to working with Ambreena in this capacity, to cement our existing international outlook and to develop new partnerships.”