Contributor(s): Professor Oriana Bandiera | Professor Oriana Bandiera discusses how a new project is improving the lives of young girls in Uganda through skills and information.

Contributor(s): Professor Alex de Waal | After achieving independence from Britain and Egypt in 1952, Sudan endured two bitter and extended civil wars which finally ended in 2005. When, in 2011, South Sudan seceded to become a sovereign territory, there was hope that peace would finally come to the region. However, as of May 2012, conflict in the region continues. Professor Alex de Waal of Tufts University explains some of the reasons why, for now, peace in the region remains elusive.

Contributor(s): Dr Purna Sen | Dr Purna Sen is the Director of the Programme for African Leadership, supported by the Firoz and Najma Lalji foundation. The programme seeks to foster emerging leaders to promote best practices of economic and social development in their organisations and countries, so that they will be supported in their contributions to helping alleviate poverty in Africa. The first cohort will be in London in March 2012.

Contributor(s): Professor Thandika Mkandawire | In this short film, Thandika Mkandawire explains his role as Professor of African Development and the importance of the LSE African Initiative; a long-term programme designed both to reinvigorate African research at LSE and to put Africa at the centre of the social sciences and in the global public spotlight.