The African Renaissance: 26 Years into the 'African Century' — What Progress Has Been Made?
More than a quarter-century after the vision of an "African Renaissance" and an "African Century" was first articulated, this panel takes stock of the continent's trajectory. Moderated by Ashraf Garda, the discussion brings together Thuli Madonsela, former Public Protector of South Africa and a leading voice on governance and accountability; Thebe Ikalafeng, a branding expert and advocate for reshaping global perceptions of Africa; and Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh, academic, commentator and musician. Together they'll assess what progress has genuinely been made on democracy, development and self-determination and what remains unfulfilled in the promise of an African century.
Speakers
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Thebe IkalafengFounder and Chairman, Brand Africa, Founder and CEO, Brand Leadership Group, Chancellor, Sol Plaatje UniversityThebe Ikalafeng
Founder and Chairman, Brand Africa, Founder and CEO, Brand Leadership Group, Chancellor, Sol Plaatje University
Thebe Ikalafeng is a global African branding authority, cultural champion, and intentional traveller who has visited every country in Africa and every continent in the world. He is the Founder and Chairman of Brand Africa (www.brand.africa), Founder and CEO of Brand Leadership Group (www.brandleadership.africa), and Founder and Curator of Msafiri, and has spent over 25 years driving a brand-led African renaissance championing Africa's authentic identity and cultures, and positioning African enterprises and brands as sovereign assets for a competitive and differentiated Africa globally. His recent bestselling books — The Traveller: Crossing Borders and Connecting Africa and Rooted and Rising: Reclaiming Our Culture and Redefining Our Global Influence — make the definitive case for reclaiming the African narrative and leveraging African culture as a competitive advantage. He has advised governments, corporations, institutions and eminent persons on branding, competitiveness, and intellectual property. Born and raised in Kimberley, South Africa, he was educated in the United States, Italy, and South Africa. He has been named one of the 100 Most Influential Africans by New African magazine and one of the 100 Most Creative People of African Descent. He has been honoured with lifetime achievement awards by Financial Mail and the Public Relations Institute of Southern African and was conferred with honorary doctorates by the University of South Africa and the University of Johannesburg in recognition of his contributions to Africa, branding, and culture. He serves as Chancellor of Sol Plaatje University in Kimberley — one of only two universities established in post-apartheid South Africa, named after Solomon Tshekiso Plaatje, a writer, publisher, political activist, and one of Africa's most consequential voices of the 20th century. Ikalafeng is based in South Africa and driving an Africa-focused agenda globally.