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

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.

14 Feb 2025
UNDP Report Launch - Advancing Inclusive Development
Policy options for Burkina Faso, Guinea, Gabon, Mali and Niger

19 Mar 2025
Africa After Aid? The Impact and Possibilities
This event will convene human rights activists and analysts, as well as those who have been directly impacted by the U.S. aid cuts.

16 Aug 2024
Global power dynamics and possibilities for Africa
What are the key factors that can propel or hinder Africa's path forward in a new multipolar world order?