2019 is set to be another eventful and unpredictable year in Africa. Politically, all eyes will be on the general elections in Nigeria and South Africa. But several other countries are also set to hold crucial votes, including Tunisia, Senegal, Algeria and Botswana. How will these play out? What issues are citizens most concerned about today? And what effect could increasingly influential social media platforms – and potentially the spread of fake news – have on the elections?
Economically, growth in Africa is predicted to rise to 4.1% in 2019. But how will the benefits of this growth realised by citizens across the continent? Will negotiations over the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) continue apace? And will governments be able to create enough jobs and keep down the cost of living? How will people respond where they cannot?
Culturally, what does Africa have in store for the coming year? The continent’s creatives – and young creatives in particular – continue to inspire a boom in film, music, art and tech worldwide. But what will be the new themes and challenges that dominate in 2019?
To kick off the exciting and uncertain year, our panel – with expertise across politics, activism, the arts, education, technology, health and the economy – will attempt to answer these questions and many more.
Join us for the Royal African Society’s flagship events in London and Edinburgh, delivered in partnership with the British Council, to discuss and debate what 2019 holds in store for the continent.
Speakers:
Razia Khan, Chief Economist for Africa and the Middle East, Standard Chartered
Nanjala Nyabola, Writer and independent political analyst, Kenya
Patrick Sam, Chairperson of the National Art Council of Namibia (NACN), Namibia
Chair: Eliza Anyangwe, Writer, editor and moderator
Image: Meklit Mersha – Africa Nouveau Festival, Nairobi, Kenya
More Camden Listings MORE
Seeing the Potential
Seeing the Potential, an exhibition by artist Matthew Small, explores the importance of looking beyond appearances and present…
Abolition Song Concert
Discover a recovered soundscape of resistance, remembrance and renewal at this extraordinary concert celebrating the music of the…
Afro Dance Xplosion 2026: Transcen-Dance
Experience a vibrant celebration of dance from Africa and its diaspora, bringing homegrown and international artists together on…
Black British Folk Takeover
Black British Folk Takeover returns to Cecil Sharp House for an inspiring festival-style celebration exploring the rich and…
CUSTOM COUTXRE
Fashion, Creativity and Culture Come Together at CUSTOM COUTXRE Independent fashion, garment customisation, creative workshops, music and a…
The Good, the Black and the Boujee: How Black Britain Became Middle Class
Award-winning journalist and author Symeon Brown comes to the London School of Economics for a special Black History…
Legacy in Motion: An Inherited Light Conversation
A special evening connecting generations of Caribbean British trailblazers who are shaping culture, community and belonging. More…
Black Music & Rebellion: 60 Years of Punk
Broadcaster Ritche Brave and special guests explore the powerful and often overlooked relationship between Black music, Black British…