AfricanFutures

The African Futures & Innovation programme (AFI) at the ISS undertakes long-term thematic, country and regional studies in Africa.

[AfricanFutures @AfricanFutures]

We're hiring!

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) is looking for a Receptionist and Administrative Assistant to support its Pretoria office.

If you're highly organised, people-oriented, and thrive in a fast-paced environment, this is an opportunity to contribute to a leading African policy research organisation while supporting finance, administration, logistics, and front-office operations.

Pretoria
Closing date: 16 June 2026
Learn more & apply:
https://t.co/mGJn0DUwnt

#ISSJobs #Hiring #Pretoria #Administration #Receptionist #OfficeSupport

[AfricanFutures @AfricanFutures]

We are delighted to welcome Thandi Letswalo to the African Futures & Innovation (AFI) programme as our new Programme Assistant.

Thandi brings experience in programme support, office administration, stakeholder coordination and event logistics, having served in several roles across the Institute for Security Studies (ISS). Her commitment to supporting research and operations that strengthen security and shape Africa's future makes her a valuable addition to the team.

We look forward to learning from her experience, benefiting from her dedication, and working together to advance our mission.

#africanfutures #ISS

[AfricanFutures @AfricanFutures]

China’s tariff-free offer to Africa: opportunity or optics?

China’s decision to grant tariff-free access to nearly all African exports has been welcomed as a boost for trade. But will it transform Africa’s economic relationship with its largest trading partner or simply reinforce existing patterns?

Tap to read our latest blog by Ronak Gopaldas and Priyal Singh on the opportunities, limits and strategic implications of Beijing’s latest trade offer to Africa:

https://t.co/WZPxlqCpLI

#AfricaTomorrow #AFI #AfricaInTheWorld #ChinaAfrica #Trade #AfCFTA #EconomicDevelopment #AfricanFutures

[AfricanFutures @AfricanFutures]

Bargaining on birthrights: the real resource race for Africa’s future

Africa’s greatest assets have always been its people, land and natural resources. But as global competition intensifies, the continent’s land is becoming a strategic prize for food production, carbon markets, data centres and luxury real estate. The question is no longer whether Africa attracts investment, but under what terms. As debt pressures mount and demand for finite resources grows, decisions made today could shape sovereignty, ownership and development opportunities for generations.

Tap to read our latest blog by Bronwyn Williams on why Africa’s real resource race is increasingly about bargaining power, long-term control and the future of the continent’s birthrights:
https://t.co/2cv7gTg66X

#AfricaTomorrow #AFI #AfricanFutures #Governance #LandRights #EconomicDevelopment #Sovereignty #AfricaInTheWorld

[AfricanFutures @AfricanFutures]

At the Spier Dialogue | Stellenbosch, South Africa 🇿🇦

Jakkie Cilliers, Head of the ISS African Futures & Innovation programme, participated in the 2026 Spier Dialogue, which brought together policymakers, researchers, political leaders and practitioners to discuss 𝘈𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢’𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘩𝘪𝘤 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺.

Jakkie contributed to discussions on the opportunities and challenges presented by Africa’s rapidly growing youth population, exploring the conditions required to realise a demographic dividend through stronger institutions, economic growth and job creation. The dialogue highlighted the importance of forward-looking policy choices to ensure that demographic change becomes a driver of prosperity rather than instability.

#AfricanFutures #ForesightAfrica #DemographicDividend #FutureThinking #ISSafrica

[AfricanFutures @AfricanFutures]

Djibouti’s path from debt-financed growth to inclusive transformation

Djibouti’s strategic location has fuelled impressive infrastructure-led growth, but rising debt, limited diversification and weak inclusion are exposing the limits of the current model. The next phase of development will depend less on building more, and more on governing better.

Tap to read our latest blog by Marvellous Ngundu on why governance reform, productivity and economic diversification will determine whether Djibouti can realise its Vision 2035 ambitions:
https://t.co/tiL5Gak7M6

#AfricaTomorrow #AFI #Governance #Djibouti #EconomicGrowth #AfricanFutures

[AfricanFutures @AfricanFutures]

What could Djibouti's future look like by 2043?

A small nation, a global crossing.
With the right reforms, the economy could be 63% larger, lifting 88,000 from poverty and powering 75.8% of energy from renewables.

What's still possible 🇩🇯👇
https://t.co/B07MP6kFSg

[AfricanFutures @AfricanFutures]

At Impact’26 | Poznań, Poland 🇵🇱

Jakkie Cilliers, Head of the ISS African Futures & Innovation programme, participated in Impact’26, one of Central and Eastern Europe’s leading forums bringing together political leaders, researchers, innovators and business executives to discuss global challenges and future trends.

As part of a panel discussion on “Rebuilding the World Economy: What If the End of Globalization?”, discussions explored how geopolitical tensions, economic fragmentation and shifting global dynamics are reshaping international cooperation and development pathways.

Swipe through some moments from Impact’26.

#AfricanFutures #ForesightAfrica #Impact26 #GlobalEconomy #ISSafrica

[AfricanFutures @AfricanFutures]

Ahead of Growth Academy Africa | Pretoria, South Africa 🇿🇦

Jakkie Cilliers, Head of the ISS African Futures & Innovation programme, will join World Bank Group Chief Economist Indermit Gill for a fireside chat on “From South Africa’s Growth Challenge to Africa’s Future.”

The conversation will explore South Africa’s growth challenges in a broader African context, focusing on productivity, job creation and firm growth, and what these mean for the continent’s long-term development trajectory.

Join the conversation online: https://t.co/ptwm3FvMfx

#AfricanFutures #ForesightAfrica #GrowthAcademyAfrica #WorldBank #Jobs #Productivity #ISSafrica

[AfricanFutures @AfricanFutures]

Critical minerals and energy resources in Africa: myth or opportunity?

As global competition over critical minerals intensifies, Africa sits at the centre of the energy transition, rich in resources, yet constrained by limited infrastructure, refining capacity and investment. The real challenge is not scarcity, but strategy.

Tap to read our latest blog by Jakkie Cilliers on why Africa’s energy future will depend on diversification, governance and its ability to turn resource wealth into long-term transformation:
https://t.co/zYlcPhjwzu

#AfricaTomorrow #AFI #EnergyTransition #CriticalMinerals #Infrastructure #AfricanFutures

[AfricanFutures @AfricanFutures]

Join us for the final session of the 2026 Erudite Seminar Series as ISS and AUDA-NEPAD unpack the pathways needed to bridge Africa’s infrastructure gap and drive inclusive growth.

19 May 2026
12:00–13:00 (GMT+2)
Online via ISS Zoom

Haven’t registered yet? Register now: https://t.co/wbCc9VwzrU

#AfricanFutures #EruditeSeries #Infrastructure #Agenda2063

[AfricanFutures @AfricanFutures]

Happening today.
Join us for the final session of the 2026 Erudite Seminar Series, co-hosted with AUDA-NEPAD, as we explore the pathways needed to bridge Africa’s infrastructure gap and drive inclusive growth under Agenda 2063.

Today | 19 May 2026
12:00–13:00 (GMT+2)
Online via ISS Zoom

Speakers: Blessing Chipanda (ISS) • Brando Okolo (AUDA-NEPAD) • Sulaiman Cisse (Africa Finance Corporation)
Moderator: Mahao Leuta Mahao (AUDA-NEPAD)

There’s still time to register and join the conversation: https://t.co/wbCc9VwzrU

#AfricanFutures #EruditeSeries #Infrastructure #Agenda2063 #InclusiveGrowth

[AfricanFutures @AfricanFutures]

Ahead of Tuko Pamoja | Johannesburg, South Africa 🇿🇦

On 25–26 May, Jakkie Cilliers, Head of the ISS African Futures & Innovation programme, will join Tuko Pamoja to contribute to discussions on Africa’s evolving workforce dynamics.
His presentation will explore the intersection of employment, demographics, and skills shortages, and what these trends mean for Africa’s long-term development trajectory.

#AfricanFutures #ForesightAfrica #TukoPamoja #FutureOfWork #ISSafrica

[AfricanFutures @AfricanFutures]

Infrastructure isn't just concrete and cables. It's the multiplier that decides whether Africa's growth story translates into prosperity by 2050.

This month's African Futures Brief models what strategic investment in infrastructure and technological leapfrogging could deliver by 2043:
→ +US$510 GDP per capita
→ +US$478 billion in trade
→ 63 million fewer people in extreme poverty

Plus: save the date for African Futures Conference 2026, our 19 May Erudite Seminar with AUDA-NEPAD, and foresight training in Kigali.

Missed this in your inbox? Never miss the next.
𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲: 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀.𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮.𝗼𝗿𝗴

#AfricanFutures #ISSAfrica #AUDANEPAD

[AfricanFutures @AfricanFutures]

Can Namibia balance state control and oil governance?

Namibia’s major offshore oil discoveries have created huge expectations — but also difficult governance choices. As the country moves toward first oil, the push for stronger state control raises important questions about transparency, oversight and long-term resource management.

Tap to read our latest blog by Nina Davis on how Namibia’s institutional choices today could shape the future of its petroleum sector for decades to come: https://t.co/FofOoSN4U9

#AfricaTomorrow #AFI #Energy #Namibia #OilGovernance #AfricanFutures

[AfricanFutures @AfricanFutures]

𝗔𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝗧𝗜 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 | 𝗞𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗶, 𝗥𝘄𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮 🇷🇼

Last week, our colleagues Michelle van Rooyen and Du Toit McLachlan participated in a strategic foresight training convened with Rwanda’s National Council for Science and Technology (NCST), AUDA-NEPAD and the Pardee Institute.

The AFI team contributed sessions on foresight concepts, principles and practical tools for long-term policy and planning, while also facilitating qualitative foresight exercises and scenario-based discussions. The training focused on strengthening Rwanda’s capacity for evidence-based science, technology and innovation (STI) policymaking, aligned with Vision 2050, NST2 and Agenda 2063.

#AfricanFutures #ForesightAfrica #STIForesight #Agenda2063 #ISSafrica

[AfricanFutures @AfricanFutures]

𝗔𝗙𝗖 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 | 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗙𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗟𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗗

We are pleased to announce the title of the 2026 Africa Futures Conference:
𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗔 𝗧𝗢 𝗗𝗘𝗖𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦

Guided by the theme, 𝘜𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴, 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴, 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴, the conference will bring together bold thinkers and changemakers for critical conversations shaping Africa’s future.

Save the date and join us in Pretoria on 13–14 October 2026 as we shape Africa’s future together.

#AfricaFutures #FromDataToDecisions #Foresight #Innovation #Africa

[AfricanFutures @AfricanFutures]

The Erudite Seminar Series concludes with a focus on delivery.

Join us, together with AUDA-NEPAD, for the third online session of this year’s series as we explore how infrastructure, from energy and transport to digital systems, can drive inclusive growth and support Africa’s long-term development under Agenda 2063.

Date: 19 May 2026
Time: 12:00–13:00 (GMT+2)
Online via ISS Zoom (registration required)

Moderator: Mahao Leuta Mahao (Advisor, Africa Policy Bridge Tank, AUDA-NEPAD)
Speakers:
Blessing Chipanda (Senior Researcher, African Futures & Innovation, ISS)
Brando Okolo (Head of Science, Technology and Innovation, AUDA-NEPAD)

Register today :https://t.co/wbCc9VwzrU

#AfricanFutures #Agenda2063 #Infrastructure #InclusiveGrowth #EruditeSeries

[AfricanFutures @AfricanFutures]

Ahead of Impact’26 | Poznań, Poland 🇵🇱

On 13–14 May, our colleague Jakkie Cilliers, Head of the ISS African Futures, will join Impact’26 for a panel discussion on “Rebuilding the World Economy: What If the End of Globalization?” alongside global policymakers, researchers and business leaders.

The discussion will explore how shifting geopolitical and economic dynamics are reshaping the future of globalisation, economic cooperation, and international development.

#AfricanFutures #ForesightAfrica #Impact26 #GlobalEconomy #ImpactCee

[AfricanFutures @AfricanFutures]

Cameroon’s agriculture must perform, not just produce

Cameroon’s agricultural sector is rich in potential but output alone is not enough. Without stronger value chains, infrastructure and policy reforms, expanded market access under AfCFTA may not translate into real gains.

Tap to read our latest blog by Pierre Christian Tsopmo on why competitiveness, not just production, will determine whether Cameroon can turn agricultural potential into inclusive growth: https://t.co/EqZhD8MCrC

#AfricaTomorrow #AFI #Agriculture #AfCFTA #Cameroon #AfricanFutures