Bulgaria and Africa

historical and contemporary relations

Abstract

This student research project examines contemporary forms of collaboration between Bulgaria and African countries by combining a historical overview, desk research and qualitative interviews. The aim is to identify the most visible types of cooperation after the socialist period and to understand how these connections function in today’s cultural and educational landscape.
The methodology includes a twenty-day analysis of publicly accessible digital materials (desk research) and seven semi-structured interviews. Three interviews involve Bulgarian cultural figures engaged in long-term initiatives in Africa, while four of them present the perspective of African students living in Sofia. This approach allows the project to outline current forms of exchange and to incorporate first-hand experiences.
Findings indicate that present-day Bulgarian–African relations are shaped mainly by individual figures, NGOs and artistic communities, with cultural and educational partnerships being the most active. Institutional involvement remains limited. The student interview highlights both opportunities and challenges related to integration and access to information. Although exploratory in scope due to time limitations, the study offers an initial mapping of collaboration patterns and provides a basis for future research in cultural diplomacy, mobility and community relations.