Since its founding in 2014, the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) annual two-day conference has established itself as a leading destination for many professionals, students, and corporates in the continent and diaspora alike. By gathering renowned scholars, leading politicians, forward-thinking corporate and entrepreneurial minds together with our population of highly capable and passionate students at the LSE, the Summit provides a unique platform for the sharing of ideas and development of relationships that can be translated into meaningful action. The LSE Africa Summit prides itself on being rooted in present realities, as it takes into account the dynamism and contextual framework on the continent and thus, promotes solutions with an African perspective.

The LSE is excited to present its 5th Annual Africa Summit with the theme Africa at Work: Educated. Employed. Empowered. This topic aims to tackle the unemployment challenge, especially amongst the youth on the continent, and offer solutions to promote job creation, inclusive and sustainable growth on the continent. This is of high priority to policymakers and practitioners, as rising unemployment continues to give rise to serious social, economic and security challenges. Discussions over the two days will be largely centred around the following:

1. Bridging the skills, education and training gaps
2. Entrepreneurship as an engine for job creation and inclusive growth
3. Laws, regulations and policies
4. The impact of technology and digitalisation on jobs and economic growth
5. The role of the booming creative industries in socio-economic development

In previous years, we have been honoured to host leading figures on the continent such as HE John Dramani Mahama (former President of Ghana), HE Yemi Osibanjo (Vice-President of the Republic of Nigeria), Dr Donald Kaberuka the former president of African Development Bank, Isabel Dos Santos, Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria Ibukun Awosika and other esteemed personalities. The line up this year promises to be the most invigorating yet.

This is a very exciting time to be joining the LSE Africa summit as we celebrate our 5th Anniversary edition showcasing some of Africa’s brightest minds and connecting the continent’s most passionate advocates at what has become one of the leading student-run events here at the LSE.

We look forward to having you on board this year as we mark this five-year milestone!

Sincerely,

Moyin & Bradley