The Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance

30/09/2026

Envisioning Africa's Futures: Governance, Leadership and South-South partnerships

Panel 2 focused on how leadership and governance can become more responsive to the societies it serves. The central question highlighted what we should put in place to strengthen leadership and governance across Africa?

Panel members proposed the need to bridge the disconnect between citizens and institutions, recognising that governance is shaped not only through formal state structures, but also through civil society, trade unions, youth movements, digital spaces and broader social movements.

The discussion highlighted the importance of institutions that can listen, absorb diverse demands and create space for negotiation, dialogue and collaboration.

30/09/2026

Envisioning Africa's Futures: Governance, Leadership and South-South Partnerships

Panel 1 explored what kind of African state is needed to meet contemporary challenges and citizen aspirations. Central question being around African State: Current nature and what are we trying to build?

A clear thread across the discussion was the need to reset and reform the governance agenda by building legitimate institutions that are fit for purpose with the capacity not only to plan, but to implement, create value and respond to citizens as genuine stakeholders.

30/09/2026

Envisioning Africa's Futures: Governance, Leadership and South-South partnerships

In his keynote address, Prof Carlos Lopes reflected on Africa’s Next Chapter: Leadership, Agency and the Politics of Transformation, asking who will shape that next chapter and how Africa will position itself within a shifting global political economy.

A central question emerging from his address was how African leaders can exercise agency; the power to shape rules, build capabilities and create value; amid these evolving conditions.

30/09/2026

Prof Suki Goodman, Dean of Commerce at UCT, welcomed delegates to the conference, highlighting the importance of creating spaces for critical dialogue on Africa's future.

30/09/2026

A warm welcome to delegates, speakers and partners joining us for the 'Envisioning Africa's Futures: Governance, Leadership and South-South partnerships' conference.

Over the next two days, students, academia, policymakers, researchers and practitioners will explore the future of African governance, leadership and development partnerships.

This is a much anticipated thought-provoking two days of dialogue on leadership, governance and the future of the African state.

29/09/2026

Around 60% of Africa’s population is under 25.

For a continent with such a young population, the way AI reshapes work, public services, education and decision-making will have far-reaching consequences. Yet governance and regulation are still developing across much of Africa.

These are no longer future questions. Leaders are dealing with them now.

Transformative African Leadership (TAL) programme does not approach AI simply as a technology module. It asks what AI means for African institutions, economies and people; and who gets to shape the policies and decisions around it.

What should leaders understand before they make those decisions? And whose perspectives need to be in the room?

TAL is a pan-African learning journey for leaders already confronting these questions in their work.

What AI-related decision is already landing on your desk?

Explore the full TAL curriculum. Download the brochure here: https://www.taljourney.com/about-tal/

28/09/2026

Ready to strengthen your leadership in climate and sustainable development? Applications for the Africa-Europe Cooperation for the Green Transition programme are open.

You can still apply to join the short course programme as the deadline for applications has been extended to 23 October 2026.

Apply before 23 October: https://bit.ly/4b7uAD4

25/09/2026

Call for Papers

A big thank you to everyone who has already submitted their research papers! Your contributions will help shape what promises to be an impactful conversation on Africa's industrial future. We encourage additional submissions and look forward to welcoming diverse perspectives from across the continent and beyond.

Submit your paper and join the conversation on building stronger regional value chains, promoting green industrialisation and advancing Africa's economic transformation.

-> Submission link: https://forms.gle/8N97qT8JPVX4GBTK6
-> Full paper submission deadline: 31 January 2027
-> Venue: Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town
-> Conference dates: 14 - 16 April 2027

Send an email to [email protected] for more information.

: : The conference will explore key themes including:

• AfCFTA, Industrial Policy and Structural Transformation
• Regional Value Chains and Industrial Development
• Green Industrialisation and Climate-Resilient Development
• Critical Minerals, Beneficiation and Strategic Industries
• Agriculture, Agro-processing and Bioeconomy Development
• Infrastructure, Energy and Industrial Competitiveness
• Industrial Finance and Investment
• Technology, Innovation and Skills Development
• MSMEs, Youth and Women's Participation in Industrialisation
• Towards COP32: Africa's Green Industrialisation Agenda

25/09/2026

\\ Information integrity has emerged as one of seven critical challenges highlighted in the UN's Independent International Scientific Panel on AI Preliminary Report, released in July during the Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence.

In a timely op-ed for TechPolicy.Press, Prof Alison Gillwald, Adjunct Professor at the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, explores what declining trust in information means for Africa and why the stakes are nothing short of life and death.

Read the full article:

Claiming that AI will be a ‘great equalizer’ is yet another example of global powers distorting reality and disregarding African lives, says Alison Gillwald.