African Futures Conference 2026 – Call for Proposals

Shape the Future of Africa Through Data, Evidence and Strategic Foresight

Africa's future will be shaped by the decisions made today. As governments, businesses, researchers and development organisations respond to rapid technological, economic, environmental and social change, there is an increasing need for evidence-based decision-making that enables long-term planning and resilient development.

The African Futures & Innovation (AFI) Programme at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) is inviting proposals for the 3rd African Futures Conference 2026, providing a platform for experts, practitioners and innovators to contribute practical ideas, research and experiences that will help shape Africa's long-term future.

The conference will be held over 13–14 October 2026 in a hybrid format, combining in-person engagement with virtual participation to encourage collaboration from across Africa and internationally.

Conference Theme

From Data to Decisions: Understanding Trends. Exploring Alternatives. Shaping Futures.

The conference explores how:

• Data and evidence improve long-term planning.
• Modelling helps understand emerging trends.
• Strategic foresight prepares organisations for uncertainty.
• Collaboration strengthens policy development.
• Innovation supports resilient and sustainable development across Africa.

What the Conference Aims to Achieve

The conference seeks to:

• Strengthen African-led strategic foresight.
• Promote evidence-based policymaking.
• Showcase practical applications of data and modelling.
• Encourage knowledge sharing across sectors.
• Build partnerships that improve long-term decision-making.
• Support more resilient, inclusive and sustainable development.

Conference Thematic Tracks

Proposals should align with one or more of the following areas:

1. Africa's Current Path and Development Potential

Understanding where current trends are taking Africa through:

• Data analysis
• Forecasting
• Modelling
• Evidence-based research

2. Alternative Futures

Explore how:

• Innovation
• Emerging technologies
• Policy decisions
• Global developments

could shape different futures for Africa.

3. Preferred Futures for Africa

Share ideas that contribute towards:

• Inclusive development
• Sustainable growth
• Resilient economies
• Long-term prosperity

4. Foresight in Practice

Demonstrate practical approaches for applying:

• Futures thinking
• Strategic foresight
• Scenario planning
• Emerging methodologies
• Decision-support tools

5. Embedding Foresight for Impact

Showcase how organisations are integrating foresight into:

• Government planning
• Research programmes
• Business strategy
• Policy development
• Development planning

Who Should Submit a Proposal?

The organisers welcome submissions from:

• Policymakers
• Government departments
• Researchers
• Academics
• Universities
• Think tanks
• Development partners
• Civil society organisations
• Private sector organisations
• Data scientists
• Modelling specialists
• Strategic foresight practitioners
• Innovation ecosystem organisations
• Entrepreneurs applying futures thinking

Submission Categories

Applicants may submit proposals in one of the following formats:

Lightning Talk (7 minutes)

Share:

• One innovative idea
• An emerging trend
• A new technology
• A thought-provoking question

designed to stimulate discussion.

Interactive Presentation (15 minutes)

Present:

• Research findings
• Policy insights
• Practical case studies
• Emerging evidence
• Lessons learned

Practice Showcase / Demonstration (20 minutes)

Demonstrate how your organisation has applied:

• Data
• Modelling
• Strategic foresight

to support planning and decision-making.

Interactive Workshop / FuturesLab (45–60 minutes)

Deliver a practical online session where participants can:

• Learn a foresight methodology
• Apply futures thinking tools
• Participate in collaborative exercises
• Develop practical skills

Selection Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated on:

• Relevance to the conference theme
• Practical application
• Participant engagement
• African relevance
• Originality and innovation
• Contribution to strengthening foresight and long-term decision-making

What Must Be Included in Your Submission?

Applicants are required to submit:

• Name and contact details
• Organisational affiliation
• Session title
• Selected thematic track(s)
• Preferred presentation format
• Abstract (maximum 300 words)
• Up to three learning objectives
• Facilitator biography (maximum 150 words)

Important Dates

Proposal Submission Deadline
10 August 2026

Notification of Successful Applicants
26 August 2026

Conference Materials Due
10 September 2026

African Futures Conference 2026
13–14 October 2026

Conference Format

Day One

CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria

• In-person conference
• Hybrid livestream available

Day Two

Fully Online

• Interactive presentations
• Workshops
• FuturesLab sessions
• Practice showcases

Why You Should Participate

By submitting a proposal, participants will have the opportunity to:

• Share innovative research and practical experiences.
• Influence conversations on Africa's long-term development.
• Engage with policymakers, researchers and industry experts.
• Build new collaborations across sectors.
• Showcase practical applications of data, modelling and strategic foresight.
• Contribute to evidence-based policymaking across Africa.

Partners and Supporters

The African Futures Conference 2026 is organised by the African Futures & Innovation Programme (AFI) at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) and is supported by the Hanns Seidel Foundation, together with a growing network of African and international organisations committed to advancing strategic foresight, evidence-based policymaking and sustainable development across the continent.

Click HERE to visit the official website.