Sessions & Speakers
Explore the sessions and those leading the discussions.
First Keynote
Address (with Q&A)
Fri, 9th May | 13:15 – 13:55
Debating Chamber, Cambridge Union
Keynote Speaker
Moderator
His Excellency Ndaba Gaolathe will deliver a keynote address positioning Botswana’s development trajectory as a strategic reference point within Africa’s broader economic narrative.
As Botswana continues to lead the continent in sustainable resource governance, macroeconomic resilience, and inclusive policy-making, His Excellency will offer critical insights into the principles, institutions, and leadership approaches that have underpinned the country’s success. Framed as both a reflection and a roadmap, this address will invite stakeholders to consider how Botswana’s model can inform bold, homegrown solutions to continental development challenges.
Second Keynote
Address
Fri, 9th May | 15:20 – 15:40
Debating Chamber, Cambridge Union
Keynote Speaker
Mr Ivor Ichikowitz will deliver a keynote address reflecting on the findings of the Ichikowitz Family Foundation’s landmark African Youth Survey. Drawing on rich data and generational insights from across the continent, Mr Ichikowitz will explore the aspirations, anxieties, and expectations of young Africans at a pivotal moment in the continent’s future. His address will not only unpack key trends and attitudes shaping Africa’s next generation of leaders but also challenge policymakers, educators, and investors to align strategy with youth-driven priorities—ensuring that Africa’s development story is authored by its most powerful demographic force.
Ichikowitz Family Foundation
Inter-University Africa Debate
Sat, 10th May | 10:05 – 11:00
Palmerston Room, St John's College
Fireside Chat
The Making of a Future President
Sat, 10th May | 13:30 – 14:45
Palmerston Room, St John's College
Featured Speaker
In a continent where young populations increasingly demand bold leadership and accountable governance, debates over political reform have never been more urgent. This fireside chat features a
prominent political figure to reflect on the current direction of Nigeria, the leadership needed to accelerate progress, and his vision for Africa’s future. The discussion will explore the state of democratic systems, the role of citizen engagement, and what true reform requires. The objective is to provide a candid, forward-looking conversation on the state of politics and national leadership across Africa.
Moderator
Panel 1: Forging Growth Through Fiscal Transformation
Fri, 9th May | 14:00 – 15:15
Debating Chamber, Cambridge Union
With macroeconomic indicators across many African countries showing renewed resilience—from stabilised currencies to recovering growth forecasts—the conversation is shifting from recovery to reinvention. This session explores how finance ministries and public institutions are navigating inflation, debt restructuring, and fiscal planning to lay stronger foundations for inclusive growth.
Moderator
Speakers
Panel 2: Driving
Africa's Health Revolution
Sat, 10th May | 11:15 – 12:30
Palmerston Room, St John's College
From mobile diagnostics to pioneering research institutions, Africa is rewriting the script on health innovation. This session investigates how digital tools, data-driven interventions, research initiatives, and entrepreneurial models are reshaping outcomes and improving accessibility across both urban and rural contexts.
Moderator
Speakers
Panel 3: The Guns Behind Governance and Regional Security
Sat, 10th May | 11:15 – 12:30
Boys Smith Room, St John's College
From the Sahel to the Horn of Africa, shifting patterns of violence and political instability are forcing states to confront the hard edge of governance. As local conflicts escalate, civil-military relations fray, and cross-border threats multiply, the question of who holds power—and how—is becoming more urgent. This session explores the cost of ignoring local conflict, the tension and necessity of civilian-military collaboration, and the future of African-led responses to regional insecurity.
Moderator
Speakers
Panel 4: New Frontiers in Fintech and Financial Power
Sat, 10th May | 11:15 – 12:30
Castlereagh Room, St John's College
As mobile money, digital banking, and AI-driven finance sweep across the continent, ‘fintech’ is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a revolution. This session unpacks how digital banks, payment systems, and mobile platforms are closing the financial inclusion gap, with a focus on gender equity and youth participation.
Moderator
Speakers
Panel 5: Inclusive Investments and the Race to Prosperity
Sat, 10th May | 15:00 – 16:15
Palmerston Room, St John's College
As capital flows surge into African markets, the question is no longer whether to invest—but how to do so equitably, sustainably, and at scale. This session investigates how investment strategies are evolving to prioritise inclusion, directing capital to women-led businesses, rural enterprises, and underserved markets in ways that fuel both growth and equity.
Moderator
Speakers
Panel 6: Sustainable Infrastructure for a Modern Africa
Sat, 10th May | 15:00 – 16:15
Boys Smith Room, St John's College
With urban populations booming and climate resilience more urgent than ever, infrastructure development is at a turning point. This session explores how investments in energy, transport, housing, and green technologies are shaping resilient systems and driving innovation, reinforcing how the future of African cities, industries, and mobility depends on infrastructure that is both scalable and sustainable.
Moderator
Speakers
Panel 7: The Power and Politics in Educating the Youth
Sat, 10th May | 15:00 – 16:15
Castlereagh Room, St John's College
With one of the world’s youngest populations, Africa’s competitive edge lies in how effectively it educates, equips, and empowers its future generations. This session examines how education systems, youth development initiatives, and philanthropic investments are transforming access, quality, and relevance across the continent.
