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‘ELIMU - African Summer School 2025’ in Florence
Saturday, July 19, 2025
Once again this year, the Comboni community in Florence hosted ‘ELIMU – African Summer School’, from 7th to 13th July, a week of university studies dedicated to an in-depth study of African dynamics and innovative planning in collaboration with the continent. The initiative, now in its second edition in Florence, is promoted in synergy with Afrobrix, active in the city of Brescia. The course is scientifically directed by Prof. Mahougnon Venance Sinsin, coordinated by Father Fabrizio Colombo and the local organisation entrusted to Father John Hammond. The project was made possible thanks to private donations, student contributions and the support of Banca Etica, the Region of Tuscany and the Municipality of Florence, which also granted patronage. [In the picture: Seydou Kienou, musician. ELIMU]
THEME 2025
‘African Renaissance – Innovation and Technology’
The course addressed the topic of technological innovation on the African continent, starting with the under-appreciated contribution of ancient and modern Africa to science and technology. This led to a reflection on the relationship between African traditions, local epistemic knowledge and innovation culture.
In parallel, the challenges of African technological development were analysed from the perspective of an African Renaissance, also addressing the issues of technocracy and techno-colonialism, with a multidisciplinary approach: philosophical, historical and cultural.
Workshops, start-ups and design: a concrete path
A great novelty of the 2025 edition were the afternoon sessions, which offered participants a unique opportunity to meet professionals from the start-up world and Afro-descendant entrepreneurs who have already launched successful projects.
With Prof. Mauro Lombardi, of Blockchains and Artificial intelligence for Business, Economics and Law (BABEL), at the University of Florence, Chris Richmond Nzi (digital entrepreneur), Marco Tortora (Fair Italy) and Andrea Censoni (Startup Africa Roadtrip).
The objective was to inspire, train and accompany the participants towards the creation of innovative enterprises, with a focus on technologies applied to the African context and diasporas. At the end of the week, the students presented project ideas that will be followed up in the following months through mentoring and follow-up with experts.
December 2025: the public presentation of projects
Thanks to the collaboration with the Fair Italy association in Florence, the best ideas will be publicly presented in December, also in Florence, at an event dedicated to innovation and start-ups. On this occasion, entrepreneurs, investors and heads of incubators will have the opportunity to select and support the most promising projects, encouraging the birth of real start-ups.
Young Afro-descendants as protagonists of change
Making young Afro-descendants – especially the second generation – protagonists of Africa’s development and innovation is one of ELIMU's fundamental objectives. A vision that is deeply inspired by the missionary and cultural plan of Saint Daniel Comboni.
Appointment for the next edition of ELIMU, in 2026, always in Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance.