Africa is a continent in transition. By the year 2050, one in four people on the planet will be African, and many are working to realize Africa’s demographic, energy, industrial, agricultural, technological and human development potential. But that transition is not taking place in a vacuum. The world is increasingly fragmented on critical global issues, including those affecting Africa. And the recent series of coup d'états in the Sahel, the severe impact of climatic shocks and ongoing violent conflicts underline the need for a unified approach among Africans and the international community regarding the continent’s future

On April 16, USIP hosted the Africa Futures Summit to examine approaches to catalyze Africa’s potential to benefit and shape the global system. Discussions drew on the African Futures research, forecasting and policy analysis led by the Institute for Security Studies, along with perspectives from Africa, the African Diaspora and American experts.

Continue the conversation on social media using the hashtag #AfricaFuturesSummit.

Agenda

9:00am - 10:40am | The Future of Africa in a Changing Global Context 

Watch on YouTube

Opening Remarks

  • Dr. Joseph Sany
    Vice President, Africa Center, U.S. Institute of Peace
  • Dr. Fonteh Akum
    Executive Director, Institute for Security Studies
  • Srik Gopal
    President and Managing Partner, Humanity United
  • H.E. Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa
    Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission

Panel Discussion

  • Dr. Jakkie Cilliers
    Chairperson of the Board, Institute for Security Studies
  • Joy Basu
    Deputy Assistant Secretary Bureau of African Affairs, U.S. Department of State
  • Mvemba Dizolele
    Senior Fellow, Center for Strategic and International Studies
  • Dr. Abbey Ogunwale
    Vice President, Strategic Growth and Business Development, One Earth Future Foundation
  • Dr. Joseph Sany
    Vice President, Africa Center, U.S. Institute of Peace
  • Kizito Byenkya
    Director of Campaigns, Open Society Foundation

11:15am - 12:30pm | Forging Multilateral And Collective Security Partnerships of the Future

Watch on YouTube

  • Maria Kisumbi
    Director, Policy and Government Relations, Humanity United 
  • Joshua Meservey
    Senior Fellow, Hudson Institute
  • Désiré Assogbavi
    Francophone Africa Director, The ONE Campaign
  • Alexandra (Allie) Davis
    Senior Policy Advisor, U.S. Mission to the United Nations

2:00pm - 3:10pm | Crossing Africa’s Debt Impasse – Unlocking Development Potential 

Watch on YouTube

  • Jason Braganza 
    Executive Director, Afrodad
  • Chenai Mukumba
    Executive Director, Tax Justice Network Africa
  • Dr. Kouassi Yeboua
    Senior Researcher, Institute for Security Studies
  • H.E. Albert M. Muchanga
    African Union Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals

3:10pm - 4:40pm | Future for Democratic Governance in Africa – Securing Sustainable, Democratic Transitions  

Watch on YouTube

  • Kehinde Togun
    Managing Director, Public Engagement, Humanity United 
  • Dr. Fonteh Akum
    Executive Director, Institute for Security Studies 
  • Dr. Joe Asunka
    Chief Executive Officer, Afrobarometer
  • Oge Onubogu
    Director, Africa Program, Wilson Center
  • Susan Stigant
    Director, Africa Center, U.S. Institute of Peace

Related Publications

Palestinian Factions Pledge Unity: Another Diplomatic Win for China?

Palestinian Factions Pledge Unity: Another Diplomatic Win for China?

Thursday, July 25, 2024

Hamas, Fatah and a dozen smaller Palestinian factions signed on Tuesday in Beijing a joint statement calling for, among other things, the formation of a national unity government. Fatah, the secular party that controls the Palestinian Authority, and Hamas, which perpetrated the October 7 terrorist attack that led to the ongoing war in Gaza, have been divided since 2007. Their rivalry has long been a thorn in the side of the Palestinian cause and numerous attempts at reconciliation have failed. This latest attempt comes as efforts to devise a post-war governance system for Gaza are picking up steam.

Type: Question and Answer

Global PolicyReconciliation

Japan-Pacific Islands Summit: Contending with Nuclear and Colonial Legacies

Japan-Pacific Islands Summit: Contending with Nuclear and Colonial Legacies

Thursday, July 25, 2024

Last week, Pacific Island leaders flew to Tokyo for the Pacific Alliance Leaders Meeting (PALM), a summit between Japan and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). The meeting, which has occurred every three years since 1997, is designed to elevate Japan’s engagement with the forum and address common challenges, including climate change, fisheries and development.

Type: Analysis

Global Policy

As Russia Builds Influence in Africa, its Church Takes a Role

As Russia Builds Influence in Africa, its Church Takes a Role

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Vladimir Putin’s campaign to make the world safe for violent authoritarianism visibly exploits conflicts and bolsters military rule in Africa with mercenary armies, internet-borne disinformation and weaponized corruption. A less recognized Russian effort to build influence in Africa is an expansion across the continent of the Russian Orthodox Church. As the Russian church’s overt support for Putin’s war on Ukraine has corroded its influence in the traditionally Orthodox Christian world, the Moscow Patriarchate is opening parishes and hiring priests away from the established African church.

Type: Analysis

ReligionGlobal Policy

Cómo Puede Contribuir EE.UU. a la Resolución del Conflicto en Venezuela

Cómo Puede Contribuir EE.UU. a la Resolución del Conflicto en Venezuela

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

El reciente anuncio de negociaciones directas entre Venezuela y Estados Unidos fue recibido con agrado por muchos venezolanos como una oportunidad para aumentar las posibilidades de que las elecciones del 28 de julio se desarrollen pacíficamente y conduzcan a un futuro de coexistencia democrática. Sin embargo, la clave de este resultado dependerá menos de las cuestiones tácticas electorales —como los incentivos para no anular la candidatura de la oposición— y más de la cuestión más amplia de asegurar que no habrá persecución del perdedor y que ambas partes puedan volver a la alternancia del poder en lugar de un régimen de partido único. EE.UU. está en una posición clave tanto para influir en el ambiente general de las elecciones como para tomar acciones específicas que faciliten un resultado democrático, que se desarrollará a lo largo de un período post-electoral extendido.

Type: Analysis

Global Elections & ConflictGlobal Policy

View All Publications