The Preconditions For The African Century
Africa has the minerals powering the energy transition, the world's youngest workforce, and centuries of local knowledge. The shift from extraction to industrialisation is already underway. Without deliberate choices, Africa risks repeating the same pattern: supplying raw materials while the value, jobs and resilience get built elsewhere. African governments are already making those choices, and this generation gets to accelerate them. Here, we explain how climate and development are the same conversation. This session will lay out what the moment demands: regional integration, green industrial policy, capital kept on the continent, and institutions built to deliver.
Speakers
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Saliem FakirExecutive Director, African Climate FoundationSaliem Fakir
Executive Director, African Climate Foundation
Saliem Fakir is a global thought leader at the intersection of climate and development. With a career spanning over two decades, he has been instrumental in founding transformative organisations, including the African Climate Foundation (ACF), where he serves as Executive Director. Under his leadership, the ACF has become a beacon for innovative climate solutions across the continent.
As Chairman of the Atlantic Special Economic Zone in South Africa, Saliem champions the advancement of a green industrial hub dedicated to a clean technology, exemplifying his commitment to sustainable development. A prolific writer and speaker, he has shared his insight on numerous international and regional platforms, provoking thought and inspiring action on critical environmental issues. In addition to his influential roles, Saliem serves as an adjunct senior lecturer at the University of Cape Town. With an unwavering dedication to climate justice and sustainable development, he is poised to inform and inspire practices that address the urgent challenges of our time.
Saliem is the author of the book Navigating Africa's Climate Development Nexus, published in 2025.
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Sibonginkosi MahlanguStrategic Partnerships OfficerSibonginkosi Mahlangu
Strategic Partnerships Officer
Bongi is a seasoned professional with 15+ years of work experience in impactful programs across philanthropy, youth development, education and most recently climate action. She holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Public Policy Administration and Sociology) from the University of Cape Town as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Management (Philanthropy and Resource Mobilization) from Wits Business School. Bongi currently serves as a Strategic Partnerships Officer at the African Climate Foundation.
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Keri FrancisHead of Strategic Partnerships and CommunicationsKeri Francis
Head of Strategic Partnerships and Communications
Keri is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications within the NGO sector. With a strong track record of driving impactful initiatives, she has successfully led efforts to secure funding, build meaningful partnerships, and shape organisational strategies. Holding an MBA, Keri brings a strategic and analytical approach to her work, ensuring that mission-driven organisations maximise their reach and effectiveness. Her expertise in navigating complex stakeholder landscapes and crafting compelling narratives makes her an invaluable asset to any team.