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.
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Date: 29 October 2024
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Time: 10:00 to 18:00 (GMT+2)
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Venue: Online via Zoom
Overview
Click here to download the detailed agenda
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: Exploring work, living, and social dynamics in the future
Breakout 2: Global power and geopolitical shifts – forecasting and foresight
13:30–15:00 | Political and energy transitions | BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Breakout 1: The future of peace, security and political transitions in Africa
Breakout 2: Energy transitions in Africa – pathways and scenario planning
15:15 - 16:45 | Education and environmental futures | BREAKOUT SESSIONS 3
Breakout 1: Methods and models for educational futures
Breakout 2: Environmental trends – foresight and forecasting methods
17:00–18:00 | Introduction to the IFs modelling platform | PLENARY
Development 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.
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