Description

Overview

The African Futures & Innovation (AFI) Programme at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) is inviting contributions for the third African Futures Conference 2026. The call seeks proposals from researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and other stakeholders working on foresight, data, modelling, and long-term development to contribute to the conference’s interactive programme.

The conference aims to strengthen African-led foresight and evidence-based decision-making by showcasing practical applications, innovative methodologies, and collaborative approaches that support resilient and sustainable development across the continent.

Key Details

• Organiser: African Futures & Innovation (AFI) Programme, Institute for Security Studies (ISS)
• Conference dates: 13–14 October 2026
• Submission deadline: 10 August 2026 (23:59)
• Format:
  • Day 1: In-person (CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria, South Africa) with livestream
  • Day 2: Fully online (accepted contributions)
• Theme: From data to decisions: Understanding trends. Exploring alternatives. Shaping futures.

Purpose and Strategic Focus

The conference explores how data, evidence, modelling, and foresight can improve long-term policymaking, strategic planning, and investment decisions across Africa. It seeks to strengthen collaboration among governments, research institutions, civil society, and the private sector while promoting practical applications of foresight to address complex development challenges.

Particular emphasis is placed on African-led approaches that translate analytical insights into policy innovation and long-term action.

Scope / Priority Areas

Contributions should align with one or more of the following thematic tracks:

• Africa’s current path and development potential: using data, forecasting, and evidence to understand development trajectories.
• Alternative futures: exploring how different policy choices, innovations, and global dynamics may shape future outcomes.
• Preferred futures for Africa: identifying pathways towards inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development.
• Foresight in practice: sharing practical methods, tools, and approaches for futures thinking.
• Embedding foresight for impact: demonstrating how foresight is institutionalised within governments, organisations, and development practice.

Participation / Eligibility

The call is open to a broad range of stakeholders, including:

• Policymakers and government officials
• Researchers and academics
• Data scientists and modelling specialists
• Foresight practitioners
• Universities and think tanks
• Development partners
• Civil society organisations
• Private-sector organisations
• Innovators and practitioners applying evidence-based approaches to Africa’s long-term development

Submissions are welcomed from across Africa and internationally.

Outputs / Activities / Format

Applicants may submit proposals in one of four presentation formats:

• Lightning Talk (7 minutes): Presentation of a single idea, innovation, emerging trend, or thought-provoking question.
• Interactive Presentation (15 minutes): Research findings, policy insights, or practical experiences encouraging discussion.
• Practice Showcase / Demonstration (20 minutes): Examples of how organisations have applied data, modelling, or foresight in practice.
• Interactive Workshop / FuturesLab (45–60 minutes): Hands-on online sessions introducing foresight methods, tools, or approaches.

Applications must include:

• Session title
• Preferred thematic track
• Preferred presentation format
• Abstract (maximum 300 words)
• Up to three learning objectives
• Facilitator biography (maximum 150 words)

Timeline

Selection / Evaluation

Proposals will be assessed based on:

• Relevance to the conference theme
• Practical application and usefulness
• Quality of participant engagement
• African relevance and contribution
• Originality and innovation
• Potential to strengthen foresight practice and evidence-based decision-making

Strategic Relevance

The African Futures Conference provides a continental platform for advancing foresight, strategic planning, and evidence-informed policymaking. By bringing together practitioners from diverse sectors, the conference supports stronger institutional capacity for long-term decision-making and promotes collaborative approaches to addressing Africa’s development opportunities and emerging risks.