The African Development Forum 2026
"The Wealth of Africa and the Future of Global Prosperity"
Certificate of AttendanceAll Forum participants will be awarded an official Certificate of Attendance upon completion of the program, which will provide details of the speakers who took part in the event, and list the topics which were discussed. Each certificate will be signed by members of the ICD Advisory Board. |
Overview
The 250th anniversary of Adam Smith's The Wealth of Nations provides an opportunity to reflect upon the changing meaning of wealth, prosperity and development. As a companion initiative to The Wealth of Nations project, The Wealth of Africa highlights Africa's intellectual, cultural, economic and political contributions to global progress and international cooperation.
Africa is home to some of the world's oldest civilisations, richest cultural traditions and fastest-growing economies. The continent plays an increasingly significant role in shaping the future through demographic growth, technological innovation, entrepreneurship, regional integration, environmental sustainability and cultural diplomacy. African leaders, scholars and innovators are making important contributions to international discussions on governance, economic resilience and sustainable development.
The forum explores wealth in its broadest sense, encompassing human capital, education, culture, innovation, strong institutions and social cohesion alongside economic prosperity. It also examines Africa's historical experience, contemporary development challenges and emerging leadership within an evolving global order.
Bringing together policymakers, academics, business leaders, international organisations and civil society, the forum offers an interdisciplinary platform to discuss governance, investment, trade, entrepreneurship, education, technology, the creative industries, sustainable development and the opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Speakers & Delegates
Speakers during the forum will include leading politicians, senior diplomats, governmental officials, senior academics, journalists, and celebrated artists. These speakers will include a large number of individuals from the ICD Advisory Board. To learn more about the ICD Advisory Board, please click here.
Forum Locations
Based in the ICD Academy House the forum will be hosted at a number of important political, historic, and cultural locations across the city.
Forum Participants »Participation in the conference is open to governmental & diplomatic officials, academics, artists, journalists, civil society practitioners, private sector representatives, young professionals and students as well as other interested individuals from across the world. If you would like to participate in the conference, click on the link above |
Participant Papers »
The Conference Committee encourages academic research and analysis of issues related to the goals of the Conference. The Conference Committee would therefore like to welcome the participants of the conference to submit a paper they would like to be considered for presentation at the conference as well as being included in the proposal document that will be issued following the conference and will be sent to all governments and leaders of the international community.
