SOAS, University of London (The School of Oriental and African Studies)

Africa's Next Generation: A bright Future?

The upcoming second African Development Forum will focus on harnessing the potential of youth for the continent’s development.

Africa is home to 350 million young people – and the numbers are growing rapidly. How can the African continent turn this into an asset? What if it becomes a liability? Which scenarios are likely?
Addressing opportunities and challenges in this context, the Forum will consist of two interactive panel discussions - ‘Mobilizing Youth’ and ’Innovating Africa’ -, involving a range of dynamic speakers from different industries and disciplines. The following questions will be tackled:

• Employment: How will the continent employ 350 million young Africans?
• Agriculture: How can farming attract Africa’s youth to compete with urbanisation?
• Diaspora: What impact will the ‘brain gain’ have on African development?
• Entrepreneurship: What is the role of young African women in business?
• Leadership: Will the young replace the old and inspire real change in African politics?
• Technology: Already pioneering in mobile technology, how can Africa do the same elsewhere?

Visit the African Development Forum website for more information