ASCL projects awarded grants in Leiden University Global Fund

On 9 December, the first call of the Leiden University Global Fund (LUGF) Seed Fund concluded with an exciting announcement: 14 project proposals have been awarded €15,000 each. These projects will strengthen the connections between Leiden University and its partners in Africa, Latin America, North East Asia, and South East Asia. Among the recipients are two esteemed colleagues from the African Studies Centre Leiden: Prof. Chibuike Uche and Dr Azeb Amha.

Exploring the operations of multinational corporations in conflict areas
Chibuike Uche has been awarded funding for his project titled, "The operations of multinational corporations (MNCs) in conflicted areas: towards the development of a conceptual framework." This project addresses the ethical challenges and legal gaps regarding the operations of MNCs in conflict zones.

Despite numerous attempts to hold MNCs accountable for their actions in conflict and fragile states, many companies have managed to evade responsibility. A French Supreme Court ruling, which held Lafarge (a French MNC) and its executives accountable for financing terrorist organisations in Syria through their subsidiary, has renewed global interest in this issue. This project assembles a multidisciplinary team to analyse past cases, exploring the intersection of business and tax law, political economy, business and economic history, economics, and finance. The ultimate goal is to study patterns that can help throw light on legal and historical contexts with the view of developing a conceptual framework for the operation of MNCs in conflict areas for global adoption.

The project has already started in December 2024 and will conclude in November 2025.

Participating researchers:

• Irma Mosquera Valderrama (Co-lead, Faculty of Law, Leiden University)
• Ayodeji Olukoju (Faculty of Arts, University of Lagos, Nigeria)
• Paul Kamau (Institute of Development Studies, University of Nairobi, Kenya)
• Abel Ezeoha (Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Aliki, Nigeria)

The language of food: documentation and representation of food preparation and culinary culture in Africa and its diasporas
Azeb Amha has secured funding for her project, "The language of food: documentation and representation of food preparation and culinary culture in africa and its diasporas." This innovative initiative seeks to document and analyse the cultural and linguistic dimensions of food practices in Africa and its diasporas. Unlike the predominant and excessive focus on the problems of food production and food insecurity in Africa, this project views African culinary tradition as a vibrant and living cultural heritage, intertwined with language use.

Through case studies in three core African regions, the research will explore the expression, interaction and ‘mediatization’ of culinary culture. The project team will train research collaborators in Africa on documenting and researching cultural heritage.

The project recently commenced in January 2025 and it will take one year until completion.

Participating researchers:

• Felix Ameka (LUCL, Leiden University)
• Mercy Bobuafor (University of Ghana)
• Maud Devos (Africa Museum, Brussels)
• Nancy Kula (LUCL, Leiden University)
• Samuel A. Ntewusu (University of Ghana)

A milestone for global collaboration
These projects highlight the ASCL’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary research and global partnerships, and to promoting a deeper understanding of Africa’s historical, current, and future developments. Chibuike Uche’s project has the potential to redefine the ethical and legal frameworks guiding multinational corporations in conflict zones, providing a critical tool for policymakers and international organisations. Meanwhile, Azeb Amha’s research will offer insights into Africa’s cultural heritage, emphasising the centrality of language and tradition in understanding food practices.

We congratulate Chibuike Uche and Azeb Amha on their remarkable achievements and look forward to the transformative impact their projects will have on their respective fields and beyond.

Stay tuned for updates as these projects progress, showcasing the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing global challenges!