As its mission, SPAN:
- Creates a vibrant community of support for students within SIPA and Columbia concerned with Africa and its Diaspora;
- Organizes the annual flagship event the African Economic Forum held in the spring, exploring various themes in the economic, political and social development of Africa;
- Coordinates speaker series, panels, conferences and exhibitions
with renowned experts and practitioners to foster debate on economic,
political and social issues pertinent to Africa and its Diaspora;
Ensures and shapes the presence of African Studies at Columbia through the ‘Moving Africa Forward Initiative’, by incorporating student voices in an on-going dialogue; - Works with the Columbia University administration to increase enrollment of students from Africa and the Diaspora at Columbia, and to improve the curriculum offerings for classes on Africa and its Diaspora;
- Sponsors social and cultural activities, diversity awareness, and empowerment efforts around issues pertaining to and in celebration of the rich historical and cultural heritage of Africa and its Diaspora;
- Performs outreach efforts in the local community.
