5:00 – 5:05 PM – Opening remarks

5:05 – 5:30 PM  – Speed networking

5:30 – 6:30 PM   – Plenary 1:

AFCFTA: A Future Outlook on an Economically United Africa

On January 1, 2021, trading under The Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AFCFTA) began after the pandemic-induced postponement from its original start date in 2019. Given that Africa currently accounts for just 2% of global trade, and only 17% of African exports are intra-continental, compared with Asia’s 59% and Europe’s 68%, the potential transformation of a single market in Africa is significant. This discussion will focus on the progress and prospects of the agreement which could also make Africa a model for cross-border cooperation in an age of growing protectionism

Panel:

• Veronica Masubo, Policy Economist, International Growth Centre, UK
• Hanningtone Amol, Head of ALP Kenya
• Appiah Kusi Adomako, West Africa Regional Director, CUTS International, Ghana
• Moderator :Ruvimbo Samanga, Research Fellow, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa

6:30-6:40 PM – Live Reading  1:

6:40- 6:45 PM – Closing remarks

5:00 – 5:05 PM – Opening remarks

5:05 – 6:05 PM  – Plenary 2:

Is Democracy on a Decline?

According to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Democracy Index, 2020 was the worst year since 2006 as the pandemic caused regression in 80 countries. This discussion will focus on the deteriorating state of democracy across the world, especially as young people are becoming increasingly disillusioned with democratic politics. It would also examine the drivers of this decline from an African lens while proffering practical solutions relevant to African youth.

Panel:

• Dr. John Osae-Kwapong, Democracy & Development Fellow, Ghana Centre for Democratic Development
• Jon Temin, Director, Africa Programme, Freedom House 
• Aisha Dabo, Coordinator of Africtivistes
• Moderator: Dr Thokozani Chilenga-Butao, Lecturer, University of Witwatersrand

6:10 – 6:25 PM – Live Reading  2:

6:25 – 6:30 PM – Closing remarks

5:00 – 5:05 PM – Opening remarks

5:05 – 6:05 PM – Breakout Sessions

Breakout Session 1: Accelerating Africa’s Rising Creative Economy

In recent years, Africa’s creative industries (especially film, fashion, and music) are gaining increased global recognition and are ripe for investment opportunities. Companies like Netflix and Universal Music Group are expanding their presence on the continent. In this breakout session, participants would explore strategies to leverage the untapped potential of Africa’s creative industries especially among its growing youth population.

Breakout Session 2: Beyond the Hashtag: How can Youth Influence Policy Through Protests?

Amidst a global pandemic, 2020 was also the year many causes across the world including Africa found their voices. From #EndSARS in Nigeria to #ShutItAllDown in Namibia, citizens across Africa fearlessly took to the streets demanding equal treatment and justice. Given the important role protests play in political participation, this session would explore ways by which society – especially young Africans – can get better at protesting and galvanising action. Participants would explore the successes and shortcomings of previous protest movements’ and how to make future protests more effective.

Breakout Session 3: Online Learning in a Pandemic: How has Africa Fared?

Education was one of the sectors significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is evident that technology would play a huge role in the future of education in Africa. While this presents a great opportunity, it also exacerbates existing socio-economic disparities as learning technologies are not accessible to poorer and rural populations. This session would examine how African education systems have fared and what kind of innovations are necessary to ensure no one is left behind.

6:05 – 6:25 PM   – Music /Karaoke

6:25 – 6:55 PM –  Virtual Games

6:55 – 7:00 PM – Closing remarks