Bio

A young student of African politics and culture with a special place for Botswana and Lusophone Africa in his heart.

Details

My relationship with Africa started in earnest during my first year in college as a student of Kiswahili. While undertaking a general course of study in international affairs and politics, I focused on African politics, culture and language. In addition to coursework in Kiswahili, I have proficiency in Portuguese and a working knowledge of French. In 2009, I studied at the University of Botswana in Gaborone, studying southern African history, politics, economics and Setswana. Upon returning to Johns Hopkins University, I conducted research on natural resource politics in Botswana. I have also worked with the Somali community in Minneapolis on financial literacy and economic development issues, resulting in work published in "The African News Journal" and "The Twin Cities Daily Planet". In my current employment, I work with civil society groups in east and southern Africa to promote accountable and transparent governance as well as encourage networking of local NGOs.