Beijing Africa Week is set to return for its third year from July 20 to July 25. This year's theme is"Sankofa,"a word from the Twi language of Ghana, which means"go back and get."The theme reflects the idea of"looking into the past for the inspiration needed to progress."The week-long itinerary of cultural activities is the flagship annual event of Kente & Silk, a Beijing and Ghana-based social enterprise focused on improving China-Africa relations by designing and executing innovative events and co-organizing deep-dive trips to Africa."In May 2018, we started Africa Week because we saw a need to change the narrative of Africa-China relations,"recalled Zahra Baitie, Kente & Silk's co-founder and CEO. "We not only wanted to show China the beauty of African culture, but to also create a platform to encourage meaningful people-to-people interactions."   

Through Africa Week, they have positively impacted 1,650 people, awarded 2 companies 45,000 yuan ($6,450) and helped foster several partnerships and friendships between Africans and Chinese. 

In the midst of COVID-19 this year, the team of Kente & Silk is more motivated than ever to use this platform to increase African agency, share African culture and build more meaningful people-to-people connections during this "low period" in time. As stated by Miatta Momoh, Kente & Silk's co-founder and Business Development Manager,"Africa Week is a community platform for engagement, education and encouragement at a critical time when we are all seeking solutions to rebuild."This year's event will kick off with a career & employment boot camp which includes pertinent career development workshops and voices to help gain experience in the dynamic Africa-China space. The line-up of events strives to host a combination of educational and culturally centric festivities ranging from a panel discussion on sustainable energy solutions in Africa to a film viewing and discussion with filmmakers on the complexities of identity and bridging the gap between the Caribbean and African cultures. 

Events will also include a panel discussion on the fascination and beauty of natural African hair topped off by a night of storytelling and poetry. The week of festivities will come to a finale with the third annual African start-up pitch competition. The pitch competition is geared toward innovation and social change, awarding profits made from the week to the promising African start-up winning team. 

For more information about tickets and reservation, please visit https://www.kenteandsilk.com/africa-week-2020/ 

*Schedule is subject to change based on the current Beijing COVID-19 epidemic changes.