Save the Date: African Futures Conference 2026

Date: 13 October 2026
Time: 13-14 October 2026
Venue: Hybrid

Overview

From Data to Decisions

The African Futures Conference is the continent’s premier platform to explore and amplify African-led foresight.

13-14 October 2026

Hybrid Conference

Day 1: CSIR International Convention Centre (ICC), Pretoria + livestream
Day 2: Fully online, continent-wide

The 2026 edition will bring together policymakers, researchers and practitioners to explore Africa’s current development trajectory, examine how different choices could lead to alternative futures, and engage with the strategic priorities needed to shape more inclusive and sustainable outcomes.

The two-day conference experience includes:

Day 1 | 13 October (Hybrid – Pretoria + online)

High-level dialogues focused on emerging trends, alternative pathways and strategic choices shaping Africa’s future.

Day 2 | 14 October (Fully online)

An Africa-wide platform focused on applying foresight tools, sharing practical experience, and strengthening foresight capacity through the FuturesLab.

Call for Contributions: Opening 25 May 2026

We welcome contributions that explore how data, foresight and analysis can support strategic decision-making and more sustainable and inclusive futures in Africa.

Africa’s Young Changemakers: Applications open 1 June 2026

As in 2025, five outstanding young changemakers from across Africa will be selected to participate in the conference in person.

More information and registration details coming soon.

Development partners

This conference 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

From constraint to catalyst: unlocking Africa’s demographic potential

Targeted investments can turn Africa’s population boom into a driver of productivity and prosperity.

South Africa’s future in a changing world: the GNU’s two options

The Government of National Unity presents opportunities for reform, even amidst global uncertainty.

Transforming Governance in Nigeria: Harnessing the Power of Strategic Foresight and Futures Thinking for Long-term National Planning

This event will showcase Nigeria’s development trajectory, providing insights into potential pathways for sustainable growth.

Rethinking Africa’s future investment portfolio

This seminar explores how Africa can diversify its investment sources in a shifting global landscape.

Chat to our site