The technology realm has become the new geopolitical and geostrategic frontier, where governments, corporations, and organizations that control data and computing power will impose the rules of the future international economic order. In this same vein, countries with fewer resources will be compelled to follow the rules of this order, even when they do not align with their national interests.

The 2025 African Council on Foreign Relations Political Action Conference will address the following:

1. Africa lags in digital infrastructure. Many countries lack the cloud, connectivity, high-speed networks, and data centers required to handle the demands of the technology (Tamsin Mackay, 2025)
2. Hun Kim, Acting Vice President of Investment Solutions at the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), said: “African countries lack the backbone of cloud and connectivity, among other core infrastructure necessities, and without these, AI will remain a distant concept rather than an accessible tool. Already there’s a digital divide and AI is doubling, even tripling this, as countries without digital infrastructure risk falling even further behind.”
3. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence have become one of the foremost domains where global techno-competition is playing out every day.

Discussions at the forum have centered on four central questions: Why has Africa consistently lagged behind the rest of the world? Why has Africa remained poor even after 500 years? What can be done to address this issue and support the development of African nations?

The 2025 African Council on Foreign Relations Political Action Conference will examine the significant role of African innovations in shaping the future of the global technology landscape. It will also explore the latest trends, disruptions, innovations, confrontations, and shifts shaping the future of the evolving technology landscape and international competition.

Theme:

African Innovations and The Future of the Global Technological Order

The 2025 ACFR Political Action Conference speakers will focus on the following topics:

Speakers will answer the following questions:

1. How can African innovations reshape the global technology order?
2. How can African youths develop solutions that harness data and computing power, influencing the rules of the upcoming international economic order?
3. How can African innovations reshape the global technology order?
4. Why Africa needs to craft a new technology leadership path for the Digital Age?
5. How to Address the African tech and innovation funding shortage?

The 2025 African Council on Foreign Relations Political Action Conference will bring together experts, technology pundits, foreign policy executives, and corporate executives to share leadership experiences, gain new perspectives on trends, engage in thoughtful conversations with international peers, and exchange ideas on the ever-evolving technology competition and global technological order.

There are numerous opportunities to participate in the 2025 ACFR Political Action Conference. What you will get includes:

Educational resources will include:

• Fresh insights and developments from rising young leaders, successful business leaders, career diplomats, distinguished scholars, and foreign policy experts.
• Interactions with world-class audiences and leaders from 55 countries across Africa in high-powered panels and keynote sessions.
• High-impact initiatives and solutions to advance economic and political development opportunities for young people in Africa.
• Constructive perspectives to inspire and empower young people to dream big and work hard to realize them.

Professional and Community Networking:

Attendees will establish valuable connections with like-minded professionals from diverse backgrounds and geographies. This bonding with industry peers can unlock opportunities, foster deeper connections, drive economic conversations, create memorable experiences, and build strong human connections that spark innovation and creativity.

Africa pivot

This event serves as a pivotal tool to engage, captivate, and build lasting relationships, offering a plethora of opportunities that can propel you forward in Africa.

The global technological landscape is entering a period of heightened competition, fragmentation, and uncertainty. There will be a surge in techno-nationalism, leading to a more dangerous digital landscape. The 2025 African Council on Foreign Relations Political Action Conference will examine the significant role of African innovations in shaping the future of the global technology landscape. It will also explore the latest trends, disruptions, innovations, confrontations, and shifts shaping the future of the evolving technology landscape and international competition.

To join our pool of speakers and partners, please contact Dr. Jean Narcisse Djaha at info@afcfr.com or info@jeannarcissedjaha.com

To learn about the event, contact Jean Narcisse Djaha at info@afcfr.com or info@jeannarcissedjaha.com

To join our pool of speakers and partners, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Dr. Jean Narcisse Djaha at info@afcfr.com or info@jeannarcissedjaha.com