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Africa Futures Summit

Africa and the Future of Multilateralism: Toward Sustainable, Effective and Transformative Partnerships

Date: Tuesday, April 16, 2024 / Time: 9:00am - 4:40pm EDT

Center: Africa Center

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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 

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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

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  • 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 

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  • 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  

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  • 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

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