Keynotes
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Saturday
|
5:00 pm
Klarman Auditorium

State of the (African) Union

Is Africa moving toward greater unity or deeper division? This closing session will assess geopolitical tensions, economic fragmentation, and regional progress, from the Sahel crisis and DRC-Rwanda conflict to the growth of AfCFTA and digital transformation. A panel of experts will tackle tough questions: Are regional organizations adapting? What role should business, government, and civil society play? And is Beyond Borders a vision to pursue — or a concept to rethink?

State of the (African) Union

Is Africa moving toward greater unity or deeper division? This closing session will assess geopolitical tensions, economic fragmentation, and regional progress, from the Sahel crisis and DRC-Rwanda conflict to the growth of AfCFTA and digital transformation. A panel of experts will tackle tough questions: Are regional organizations adapting? What role should business, government, and civil society play? And is Beyond Borders a vision to pursue — or a concept to rethink?

America/New_York
Feb 15, 2025 5:00 PM
Klarman Auditorium

Other Sessions

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Breakout 3
Saturday
|
3:45 pm
Spangler Auditorium
The Financing Dilemma: Are Global Powers Driving Africa’s Development or Deepening Economic Dependency?
This panel explores foreign financing’s impact on Africa—driving growth or fostering dependency—and its future sustainability.
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The Financing Dilemma: Are Global Powers Driving Africa’s Development or Deepening Economic Dependency?

This panel examines the impact of foreign financing on Africa's development, focusing on whether these cross-border investments are essential drivers of economic growth or if they risk fostering dependency and undermining sovereignty. Discussions will explore how foreign financing has shaped African economies over the past decade and what expectations lie ahead for the future. Key questions include: Are the structures of current financing agreements sustainable and beneficial for African nations? Do countries have the capacity to refinance debts? Most importantly, what does this mean for future generations, particularly in balancing opportunities for growth with the burden of long-term debt?

America/New_York
Feb 15, 2025 3:45 PM
Spangler Auditorium
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Lunches
Saturday
|
12:45 pm
Batten HIves 307
Documentary Screening and Q&A | Stand Together as One
Screening of Ethiopia’s 1983 famine documentary, followed by a Q&A with director Salim Amin.
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Documentary Screening and Q&A | Stand Together as One

When drought hit Ethiopia in 1983, millions of people were impacted by famine and one million people starved to death. Kenyan photojournalist Mohamed Amin and his BBC colleagues Michael Buerk and Mike Wooldridge documented the historic events surrounding the famine. These images inspired musicians to stand together and led to the recording of the worldly famous song "We Are The World". Documentary screening followed by a Q&A with Salim Amin, film director and son of late Mohamed Amin.

America/New_York
Feb 15, 2025 12:45 PM
Batten HIves 307
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Keynotes
Friday
|
3:15 pm
Klarman Auditorium
The Relationship Between developed nations and Africa – the past, the present and the future?
Farouk Gumel explores Africa’s evolving global partnerships and strategies for a stronger economic future.
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The Relationship Between developed nations and Africa – the past, the present and the future?

Africa’s relationship with developed nations has shifted from colonial rule to economic partnerships and global trade. In this session,
Farouk Gumel will explore key historical turning points and their impact on Africa’s current position. A moderated discussion will
follow, examining how Africa can build stronger, fairer partnerships and the role of business leaders, policymakers, and young
professionals in shaping the future.

America/New_York
Feb 14, 2025 3:15 PM
Klarman Auditorium