Foresight modelling series: Africa’s future in a multipolar world
Forecasting analysis shows the continent’s development potential against a backdrop of global events.
-
Date: 11 July 2024
-
Time: 11:00am – 12:30pm (GMT+2)
-
Venue: Online via Zoom
Overview
The world is moving towards a complex, multipolar global power configuration and growing disaffection with the Western rules-based system. To offset Africa’s limited role in shaping global orientations, the continent needs better governance, deeper economic and political integration, and rapid and sustained economic growth.
This seminar will explore global trends and their potential impact on Africa in four alternative global scenarios.
Read the full report on Africa in the World here.
This seminar is co-hosted by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) and the Global Futures Society (GFS) and is the first of three events in the Foresight Modelling Series.

Moderator, introduction and welcome: Dr Patrick Noack, Executive Director, Future, Foresight and Imagination, Dubai Future Foundation
Speakers:
- Dr Jakkie Cilliers, Head, African Futures & Innovation, ISS
- Priyal Singh, Senior Researcher, Africa in the World, ISS
- Dr Julius Gatune, UNESCO Chair of Future Literacy Laboratory
Followed by discussion/Q&A
Image: Amelia Broodryk/ISS
More to explore
14 Apr 2026
Europe and Africa in global power shifts
How will the fragmentation of global power and demographic shifts redefine future Africa-Europe relations?
19 May 2026
Bridging Africa's infrastructure gap: pathways to inclusive growth
Africa can leapfrog costly legacy systems – but only with the right financing and governance choices.
15 Feb 2026
Live: Munich Security Conference 2026
Official Munich Security Conference Side Event: Conversation on African Security
21 Apr 2026
From constraint to catalyst: unlocking Africa’s demographic potential
Targeted investments can turn Africa’s population boom into a driver of productivity and prosperity.