Modern Problems of African Studies in Kazakhstan

The achievement of independence in Kazakhstan as well as in other countries of Central Asia enabled the reforms in Humanities including the new scientific development for the countries of Central Asia - African studies. The Republic of Kazakhstan is conducting independent international relations and is enhancing diplomatic relations with Africa paying attention not only to the North of the continent as it used to be but to the countries of Black Africa. Such enhancement is impossible if we do not have real representations of African continent which should be achieved through the development of African studies in Kazakhstan. This scientific development in our Republic is at initial level. But the interest in studying Africa is growing. Within the framework of an Agreement with Africa Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, a Center for African Studies is being established, MA students from Kazakhstan participated in the XIII International Conference on African Studies, they also had their probation studies at this Institute. The plans are to enhance the MA and PhD programs in African Studies through the cooperation with the leading specialists from Russian Academy of Sciences.