Registration is open until June 7, 2026

The course on the Geopolitics of Sub-Saharan Africa, based on a geopolitical analysis methodology—space as a theater of operations—examines the current landscape of Sub-Saharan Africa, with a special focus on Portuguese-speaking African countries and regional security structures. With a multidisciplinary approach, the course covers fundamental issues of geopolitical activity in the region, presented by researchers specializing in the various dimensions of interest.

The course, which will take place from June 22 to 26, 2026, is organized by four research institutions: the National Defense Institute (IDN); the Center for International Studies, Iscte-University Institute of Lisbon; OBSERVARE at the Autonomous University of Lisbon (UAL); and the Department of Sociology at the Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of Beira Interior (FCSH/UBI).

General Objectives:

Identify the main geopolitical issues in Sub-Saharan Africa;

Reflect on fundamental dimensions of geopolitical action, particularly those related to domestic and international politics, the environment, issues of war and peace, and multilateral security organizations;

Highlight relevant cases from Portuguese-speaking African countries;

Understand these processes from a regional perspective, involving various states, with regard to the dynamics of the South Atlantic, the Gulf of Guinea, and the Horn of Africa.

Target Audience:

Students at various levels of higher education, particularly in the fields of International Relations, Political Science, History, Sociology, Geography, Economics, Communication, and African Studies;

Diplomatic corps and senior embassy officials;

Journalists and experts in the field;

Members of the Armed Forces and Security Forces and Services;

Public administration officials, particularly from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Internal Administration, and the Ministry of Economy;

Senior management and technical staff from municipal councils and companies focused on internationalization.

Classes will be taught exclusively online and in English.

Course page here.

Registration, program, and more information here.

Course brochure here