How Africa can thrive in a turbulent multipolar world

Drawing on strategic foresight and scenario modelling, this seminar will examine Africa’s future in a rapidly evolving global order.
-
Date: 04 June 2025
-
Time: 11:00 – 12:30 (GMT+2)
-
Venue: Online via Zoom
Overview
Global trends from geopolitical shifts to climate and technology will shape Africa’s future. Speakers at this seminar will consider Africa’s position within a range of alternative global futures, and what they mean for the continent’s development, agency and long-term transformation. Perspectives will be provided on how leadership, governance and planning can see Africa achieve sustainable change in a shifting world order.
This seminar is co-hosted by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) and Defence Futures at the UK Ministry of Defence.
Moderator: Ottilia Anna Maunganidze, Head of Special Projects, ISS
Panelists:
- Dr Jakkie Cilliers, Head, African Futures & Innovation, ISS
- Melanie Robinson, Futures Analyst, Defence Futures, UK Ministry of Defence
- Dr Hesphina Rukato, Africa Director, Crisis Action
Image: ISS
Development partners
This seminar is made possible with support from the government of Sweden and the Hanns Seidel Foundation. 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

08 Apr 2025
Advancing Inclusive Development during Complex Political Transitions
How can we foster inclusive development during complex political transitions?

28 Mar 2025
South Africa’s active yet unequal trade with China
From afar, the China-South Africa trade relationship looks amazing, but when you look at the figures more closely, some real problems become evident.

06 Jan 2025
Year-end 2024
AFI will reopen on Monday, 6 January 2025

03 Apr 2025
Imagining Democratic Futures in Southern Africa and South Asia
International IDEA's Democracy Assessment Unit is hosting a discussion event on Thursday, 3 April 2025, aimed at exploring how strategic foresight can help shape democratic futures.