THEME: SHAPING INCLUSIVE GROWTH AND SHARED FUTURES IN THE FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION.
DATE: 4th—6th September, 2019 (Cape Town, South Africa).
In March, 2018, the Afican Union launched the African Continental Free Trade Area, which showcases a single market expected to produce a combined GDP of over $3.4 trillion and benefit more than 1 billion people. With an estimated investment gap of over $1 trillion a year to finance the Sustainable Development Goals, the continent is also challenged to create 18 million jobs per year until 2035 to absorb youthful labour market entrants.
While significant progress has been made on Africa’s political and economic transformation, the continent continues to face significant challenges, such as the unnecessary persistence of conflict, political instability, and mishandled environmental vulnerabilities. Geopolitically, new economic alliances are altering traditional relationships and spheres of influence.
Based on reliable research as provided by the International Monetary Fund, 50% of the 40 fastest growing, developing and emerging economies are in Africa, and majority of these countries have experienced drastic changes in leadership all through democratically held elections. In actuality, Africa’s economic look shows a bright outlook. However, it is of uttermost importance that the continent balances itself in the tides of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. There is a need for more open dialogue on correcting the wrongs of leadership structures and positioning the continent to gain from the newness that the future (Globalization 4.0) brings its way.
