Conference Title:

Transformation for the Future Africa: Embracing Change and Driving Growth

Introduction

Africa is a continent of immense potential and opportunity. Africa is at a critical stage in its history, as the continent continues to undergo significant transformations that are reshaping its social, economic, and political landscape. The challenges and opportunities facing Africa are numerous and complex, and they require a collective effort to ensure that the continent can fully realise its potential.

As we look ahead to the future, it is essential to address the transformative changes required to unlock Africa's full potential and foster sustainable development. The "Transformation for the Future Africa" conference aims to bring together stakeholders from various creative sectors to explore strategies, exchange ideas, and catalyse action towards driving positive change in Africa.

The conference aims to bring together experts from various design fields to discuss and share their perspectives on how Africa can transform itself for the future. The conference will provide a platform to explore the challenges and opportunities facing Africa, and to identify innovative strategies and solutions for addressing them.

Objectives:

1. Foster dialogue: Provide a platform for open and inclusive discussions among creative minds, academics, practitioners, designers and youth representatives to share insights, experiences, and innovative ideas for transforming Africa.

2. Identify key challenges: Identify the major obstacles hindering Africa's development in creative sectors and its progress to meet the global challenges.

3. Highlight success stories: Showcase successful transformation initiatives and best practices from across Africa, highlighting the potential for replication and scalability.

4. Promote collaboration: Facilitate networking and collaboration among participants to foster partnerships and synergies to sustain creativity and cultural identity in Africa.

5. Empower and encourage young artists & designers: Engage and empower new artists and designers by providing them with a platform to voice their concerns, aspirations, and innovative solutions for Africa's creative future.

Key Themes:

1. Economic Transformation: Explore strategies for promoting inclusive economic growth through a strong creative sector;

2. Sustainable Development: Discuss approaches to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa, focusing on creative sectors.

3. Social Inclusion and Human Development: Examine ways to ensure equitable access to quality education in design, arts and crafts for all Africans.

4. Technology and Innovation: Explore the role of technology, innovation, and digitalization in transforming Africa's creative industries, fostering job creation in niche design market.

5. Regional Integration: Discuss the significance of arts in regional economic integration, intra-African creativity sectors , collaboration in driving a creative economy across the small island development states.

Conference Format:

1. Keynote speeches: Engaging talks by prominent leaders, experts, and visionaries sharing their insights and experiences.

2. Open discussions: In-depth discussions among diverse panels of experts, and practitioners, exploring the key themes and challenges.

3. Case study presentations: Showcasing successful transformation initiatives from different sectors and countries in Africa.

4. Youth forum: A dedicated platform for young leaders to share their perspectives, innovative ideas, and aspirations for Africa's future.

5. Networking sessions: Opportunities for participants to connect, forge partnerships, and explore potential collaborations.

Target Audience:

1. Design entrepreneurs and practitioners

2. Designers- Fashion/Graphic/Interior

3. Academics, researchers, and think tanks

4. Artists and Gallery curators

5. Students

6. Development agencies and multilateral organisations

7. Investors and philanthropists

8. Media professionals

Expected Outcomes:

1. A conference proceedings summarising the discussions, key findings, and recommendations.

2. Enhanced collaborations and partnerships among stakeholders.

3. Increased awareness and knowledge-sharing on successful transformation initiatives.