Navigating Africa’s future: forecasting development trends and opportunities
Effective forecasting and strategic planning will allow Africa to navigate a future of rapid change and complex challenges.
-
Date: 29 October 2024
-
Time: 10:00 to 18:00 (GMT+2)
-
Venue: Online via Zoom, registration required
Overview
Join us for the inaugural African Futures conference on 29 October, when 22 carefully selected speakers will present an array of forecasts, scenarios and research across six themes on Africa’s long-term future.
The conference aims to enhance forecasting methodologies for African contexts, identify trends and challenges, establish a network of practitioners, and generate insights to drive sustainable development and resilience across the continent.
The conference will conclude with an introductory training session on the International Futures forecasting tool that underpins the ISS’ African Futures and Innovation programme’s work. The session will be hosted virtually by the University of Denver.
10:00–11:00 | Opening session | PLENARY
Introduction and opening remarks: Dr Fonteh Akum, Executive Director, Institute for Security Studies
Keynotes
Dr Jakkie Cilliers, Chairperson of the Board, Institute for Security Studies
Reshma Francy, Associate Director, Policy Pathfinding & Trilemma, World Energy Council, London
Bronwyn Williams, Partner, Flux Trends, South Africa
11:00–13:00 | Work, social and geo-political forecasting | BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Breakout 1: Forecasting work, living, and social dynamics
Breakout 2: The future of peace, security and political transitions in Africa
13:30–15:00 | Political and energy transitions | BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Breakout 1: Forecasting global power and geopolitical shifts
Breakout 2: Forecasting energy transitions in Africa
15:15–16:45 | Education and environmental forecasting | BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Breakout 1: Forecasting methods used in educational modelling
Breakout 2: Environmental trends and forecasting methods
17:00–18:00 | Introduction to the IFs modelling platform | PLENARY
RegisterDevelopment partners
This seminar is funded by The Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Hanns Seidel Foundation and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency. The ISS is also grateful for support from the members of the ISS Partnership Forum: the Hanns Seidel Foundation, the European Union, the Open Society Foundations, and the governments of Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden.
More to explore
Safety first: the economic cost of crime in South Africa
This event launches the 14th edition of the World Bank’s South Africa Economic Update.
Foresight modelling series: Africa’s development path and potential
This seminar discusses two new reports that examine Africa’s development prospects.
Gender equality: a catalyst for Africa’s future development
This seminar explores whether reducing gender inequalities faster can boost the continent’s economic prospects.
International cooperation in systemic competition - time for a change?
This event will present forecasts and insights into global power shifts and discuss a reorientation of development cooperation.