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
05 Jan 2026
Year-end 2025
AFI will reopen on Monday, 5 January 2026
26 Aug 2025
Africa at work: redefining employment for a changing continent
Digitisation and youth-oriented policies could offer Africa’s vast youth population the prospect of adequate and productive jobs.
01 Oct 2025
Under pressure: governance futures in the Global South
How will emerging global trends reshape the role, capacity and legitimacy of Global South governments?
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.