Open Call for African Futures Conference 2026

The African Futures & Innovation (AFI) Programme at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) is inviting proposals for the 3rd African Futures Conference 2026, taking place on 13–14 October 2026 in a hybrid format. The conference focuses on using data, evidence, modelling, and futures thinking to improve long-term decision-making and shape sustainable development pathways for Africa.

The event welcomes researchers, policymakers, practitioners, institutions, innovators, and organisations working in foresight, policy innovation, data analysis, modelling, and sustainable development. Selected proposals will contribute to the online Day 2 programme through presentations, demonstrations, lightning talks, and interactive workshops.

What is the African Futures Conference 2026?

The African Futures Conference 2026 is an international knowledge-sharing event organised by the African Futures & Innovation (AFI) Programme at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS).

The conference brings together experts and practitioners to explore how data-driven insights, strategic foresight, and innovative approaches can support Africa’s long-term development.

The 2026 conference theme is:

“From data to decisions: Understanding trends. Exploring alternatives. Shaping futures.”

The event focuses on connecting evidence and decision-making by helping participants understand emerging trends, evaluate possible futures, and develop strategies for inclusive and sustainable outcomes.

Conference Date and Format

The African Futures Conference 2026 will be held on:

• Dates: 13–14 October 2026
• Format: Hybrid event (in-person and online participation)

The conference structure includes:

Day 1: In-Person and Livestream Event

• Location: CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria
• Format: Physical conference with livestream access

Day 2: Online Programme

• Format: Fully virtual
• Focus: Practice, participation, learning, and knowledge exchange

Accepted proposals will become part of the curated Day 2 programme.

Conference Theme and Key Focus Areas

The conference explores how evidence and foresight can support better decisions for Africa’s future.

Key themes include:

• Using data and evidence to understand development trends
• Exploring alternative future scenarios
• Applying practical foresight methods
• Supporting long-term policy planning
• Improving organisational decision-making
• Strengthening African-led foresight practices
• Using modelling and analytics for development planning

The conference encourages contributions that demonstrate real-world applications of:

• Data analysis
• Modelling approaches
• Strategic foresight
• Scenario planning
• Policy innovation

Why Participate in the African Futures Conference?

The conference provides a platform for professionals and organisations working on Africa’s future development challenges.

Participation can help contributors:

• Share innovative research and practical experiences
• Exchange ideas with African and global experts
• Showcase successful foresight applications
• Discuss challenges and lessons learned
• Strengthen evidence-based policymaking
• Promote long-term thinking in development planning

The event particularly values practical examples showing how data and foresight tools have influenced decisions.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

The call for proposals is open to individuals and organisations using evidence, modelling, and futures thinking to support Africa’s long-term development.

Eligible applicants include:

• Researchers
• Policymakers
• Development practitioners
• Foresight professionals
• Universities and academic institutions
• Think tanks
• Government institutions
• Civil society organisations
• Development partners
• Private sector organisations
• Data scientists
• Modellers
• Innovators
• Other professionals working in future-oriented development fields

Applicants should demonstrate experience or knowledge related to:

• Data-driven decision-making
• Policy innovation
• Strategic foresight
• Sustainable development
• Future scenario planning

Proposal Contribution Formats

Applicants can submit proposals in one of the following formats:

7-Minute Lightning Talk

A short presentation designed to:

• Introduce key ideas quickly
• Share research findings or insights
• Highlight innovative approaches

15-Minute Interactive Presentation

A focused session that allows participants to:

• Present research or case studies
• Share methodologies
• Engage with audiences

20-Minute Practice Showcase or Demonstration

A practical session showcasing:

• Tools and methods
• Real-world applications
• Data models or foresight approaches

45–60 Minute Interactive Workshop or FuturesLab

A longer online session designed for:

• Group participation
• Skills development
• Practical learning activities
• Collaborative exploration of future scenarios

Workshops will be delivered online through platforms such as Zoom and should be designed specifically for virtual engagement.

How to Submit a Proposal

Applicants must prepare and submit a proposal containing the required information.

A complete submission should include:

Applicant Information

• Applicant name
• Organisation or affiliation
• Contact details

Session Details

• Proposed session title
• Relevant conference thematic track(s)
• Preferred contribution format

Abstract

Applicants must provide:

• An abstract of up to 300 words
• Clear explanation of the topic, approach, and relevance to the conference theme

Learning Objectives

Applicants should include:

• Maximum of three learning objectives
• Expected outcomes for participants

Facilitator Biography

A short biography of up to 150 words should describe:

• Professional background
• Relevant experience
• Expertise related to the proposed session

Proposal Selection Criteria

Submitted proposals will be assessed based on:

• Relevance to the conference theme
• Practical value and application
• Quality of ideas and evidence
• Contribution to African-led foresight
• Ability to support learning and knowledge exchange
• Potential impact on policy or decision-making

The organisers particularly welcome proposals that share:

• Successful examples
• Practical experiences
• Challenges faced
• Lessons learned

Important Deadline

The proposal submission deadline is:

10 August 2026

Applicants should submit proposals before the deadline to be considered for inclusion in the curated Day 2 programme.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Proposal

Applicants can improve their proposals by:

• Clearly connecting their work to the conference theme
• Highlighting practical examples and outcomes
• Explaining how data or foresight influenced decisions
• Including lessons that can benefit other practitioners
• Designing interactive sessions for online audiences
• Keeping the abstract focused and evidence-based

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting topics unrelated to foresight or long-term development
• Providing unclear objectives
• Focusing only on theory without practical examples
• Ignoring the hybrid and online nature of the conference
• Submitting incomplete proposal information
• Using overly technical language without explaining wider relevance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the African Futures Conference 2026?

The African Futures Conference 2026 is a hybrid international event organised by the AFI Programme at the Institute for Security Studies, focusing on data, foresight, and long-term decision-making for Africa’s development.

When will the conference take place?

The conference will take place on 13–14 October 2026.

What is the conference theme?

The theme is “From data to decisions: Understanding trends. Exploring alternatives. Shaping futures.”

Who can submit proposals?

Researchers, policymakers, practitioners, universities, think tanks, government institutions, civil society organisations, private sector organisations, data experts, and foresight professionals can apply.

What types of sessions can applicants propose?

Applicants can submit lightning talks, interactive presentations, practice showcases, demonstrations, workshops, or FuturesLab sessions.

What is the proposal deadline?

The deadline for submitting proposals is 10 August 2026.

Will the conference be online or in person?

The conference will use a hybrid format. Day 1 will be held in person at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria with livestream access, while Day 2 will be fully online.

Conclusion

The African Futures Conference 2026 provides a platform for experts and organisations to share how data, modelling, and foresight can improve Africa’s future development decisions. Through research presentations, practical demonstrations, and interactive learning sessions, the conference aims to strengthen African-led innovation, policy planning, and long-term thinking for sustainable futures.