Pan-Africanism has been a compelling vision for the continent for at least a hundred years. As an ideology and movement, it reflects a commitment towards greater collaboration and unity between African countries in tackling the socio-economic issues of the continent.

Despite the apparent independence of African states, and now the ‘Africa rising’ narrative, African countries remain largely excluded from the global economy. As a result, they are among the poorest in the world and the pan-African objectives of political and economic independence are yet to be fully realised. The advancement of a Pan-African agenda is a call to action to reclaim, revive and reassert Pan-Africanism in the face of current global challenges such as low GDP growth, inequality, pandemics and climate change.

This conference aims to ensure that Pan-Africanism remains relevant and ends the marginalisation of the continent from the global economy. A collective Pan-African voice is vital to promoting Africa’s agency in addressing global challenges for sustainable development.