Upcoming Event

The Africa Indigenous Knowledge Research Network (AIKRN) and the Institute of African Studies (IAS) at Carleton University invite you to join the upcoming AIKRN Quarterly Webinar on “Indigenous Health  and Wellbeing: Opportunities for Jobs and Entrepreneurship for African Youth.”

Across Africa, Indigenous health systems rooted in traditional medicine, natural healing practices, community care, and spirituality have sustained generations. Today, these systems continue to offer affordable, culturally grounded, and sustainable healthcare solutions—especially in rural areas.

Yet, much of this Indigenous knowledge remains undervalued, under-documented, and disconnected from contemporary entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems. With youth unemployment hovering around 12% across the continent, the time is ripe to bridge ancestral wisdom with youth-led innovation and enterprise to build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economies.

This engaging two-hour webinar will convene scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and young entrepreneurs to explore how Indigenous health knowledge can serve as a powerful foundation for innovation, job creation, and sustainable development in Africa.

 Objectives

• To explore the linkages between Indigenous health knowledge and youth entrepreneurship in Africa.
• To identify opportunities for innovation, enterprise, and value addition within Indigenous health systems.
• To highlight best practices, successful models, and networks supporting Indigenous health enterprises.
• To encourage partnerships between academia, policymakers, youth innovators, and Indigenous knowledge holders.

Expected Outcomes

• Increased awareness of Indigenous health entrepreneurship opportunities for African youth
• Strengthened partnerships between Carleton University, African institutions, and Indigenous communities
• Identification of policy and research priorities for Indigenous health innovation
• Creation of a youth-focused network under AIKRN to support Indigenous entrepreneurship
• Documentation of proceedings as a policy brief or report for broader dissemination

Panelists

Dr. Betty Akwongo
Lecturer, Department of Biology, Muni University (Uganda)
PhD in Plant Science (Ethnobotany), Makerere University
Research focus: Ethnobotany, antimicrobial plant studies, pharmacognosy, biodiversity conservation, and natural product drug development.
Google Scholar Profile

Mr. Mpilo Shange
Lecturer, Department of Nursing, University of Zululand (South Africa)
Research focus: Midwifery nursing science, primary health care, community health, and traditional medicine in maternal health.
Profile

Dr. Adebowale Ayobade
Associate Professor, Department of Social Work, University of Lagos (Nigeria)
Research focus: Social entrepreneurship, gender and enterprise studies, informal business systems, and indigenous economic resilience.

Mr. Ojiko Folorunsho Raphael
Traditional Bone Setter, Lagos State (Nigeria)
An Indigenous entrepreneur preserving ancestral healing practices—offering bone setting, massage, arthritis, and joint care services.

Moderator: 

Dr O. Damola Adejumo-Ayibiowu
Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow, UNISA
Member, Africa Indigenous Knowledge Research Network (AIKRN)