The Outstanding African Studies Award (formerly known as the Distinguished Africanist Award) was inaugurated by the ASAUK as a way of paying tribute to individuals or teams who have made exceptional contributions to the field of African studies, i.e. scholars who have in one way or another expanded and disseminated knowledge of Africa, and interest in Africa.
The award is not confined to academics or to people based in the UK, but is intended for people who have contributed largely to African Studies in the UK, or who have strengthened links between African Studies here and in Africa itself.
Previous Winners
- 2026: William Beinart and Margaret Busby.
- 2024: Hakim Adi and (jointly) Walter Bgoya and Mary Jay.
- 2022: Raymond Bush.