Following the success of its first two editions, the Africa Political Outlook returns for its third edition under the theme “New South, Old World”. This high-level event will take place on March 25-26, 2025, at the prestigious The Hotel in Brussels. This year’s Summit will bring together leading political, economic, diplomatic, and industrial decision-makers to address critical issues such as the crisis of multilateralism, the remilitarization of major powers, the future of international development, and the strategic priorities of the Europe-Africa partnership.
Belgium, 24th Mar 2025 – Following the success of its first two editions, the Africa Political Outlook returns for its third edition under the theme “New South, Old World”. This high-level event will take place on March 25-26, 2025, at the prestigious The Hotel in Brussels. This year’s Summit will bring together leading political, economic, diplomatic, and industrial decision-makers to address critical issues such as the crisis of multilateralism, the remilitarization of major powers, the future of international development, and the strategic priorities of the Europe-Africa partnership.
In a global context of shifting international balances, Africa must find its own path to maintain its transformation trajectory
This year’s edition takes place in a global context of accelerating international rebalancing. The progressive disengagement of major powers from development and solidarity investment goals, the return of militarism and isolationism, rising geopolitical tensions, and the weakening of multilateral mechanisms necessitate a reinvention of North-South relations. “The multilateralism we knew belongs to the past. Africa is challenged to find its own way, new models, its own voice as well, to maintain its emergence trajectory, continue to weigh in and assert itself in a sovereign and decisive manner in the new international order,” emphasizes Adébissi Djogan, Founder and Executive Director of the Africa Political Outlook.
The APO: A Laboratory for Dialogue-Action, Hybrid Coalitions, and Decision-Making
This year’s edition will revolve around a dynamic format combining dialogue-action, targeted discussions, and concrete commitments. March 25 will be dedicated to the Summit, while March 26 will gather, in a closed format, about thirty targeted leaders to explore transformation challenges and alternative economic partnerships in a global context of reduced international resources for development financing. Among the highlights of the agenda :
- A high-level dialogue between government representatives and multilateral institutions on the future of North-South relations and the adaptation of international organizations to new dynamics.
- A strategic conversation on the new priorities of the European Commission and the African Union, bringing together representatives from both institutions.
- The future of development aid and the evolving role of agencies such as the French Development Agency, GIZ, and ENABEL.
- A focus on strategic industries, including artificial intelligence, energy, critical minerals, and new African value chains.
- An in-depth look at the conflict in the DRC, with the participation of actors directly involved in stabilization and mediation processes.
- The rise of the “Global South” in the context of the expansion of BRICS+, and its growing influence on global economy and governance..
Leading Political, Economic, Diplomatic, and Industrial Decision-Makers Expected
Several high-profile personalities have already confirmed their attendance :
- Younous OMARJEE, Vice-President of the European Parliament
- H.E. Moussa BATRAKI, Secretary-General of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS)
- Dr Bärbel KOFLER, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany
- Dr. Najat Maalla M’JID, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Violence Against Children
- Dr. Rania AL-MASHAT, Minister of Planning, Economic Development & International Cooperation, Egypt
- Thomas ÖSTROS, Vice President of the European Investment Bank
- Mahmoud BAH, Chief Operating Officer of Corus International, Former Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC)
- Ahmedou OULD-ABDALLAH, Former Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for West Africa
- H.E. Dr. Mamadou TANGARA, Minister of Foreign Affairs of The Gambia
- Jean Van WETTER, CEO of Enabel
- Hon. Myriam DOSSOU, Vice-President of the National Assembly of Togo
- H.E. Albert Pahimi PADACKÉ, Former Prime Minister of Chad
- Jean-Yves OLLIVIER, President of the Brazzaville Foundation
- Amb. Christophe GUILHOU, Special Envoy of France for the Sahel
- Dr. Zinhle MANDELA-DLAMINI, Director of Newshelf
- Mathieu BRIENS, Deputy Director for Africa, European External Action Service
- Papa Amadou SARR, Former Minister, Executive Director of the Mobilization, Partnership and Communication Department – French Development Agency
- Dr. Sanoussi BILAL, Executive Director, ECDPM
Media Contact
Organization: Africa Political Outlook
Contact Person: Moustapha Samb
Website: https://africapoliticaloutlook.org/
Email: Send Email
Address: Boulevard de Waterloo 38,
City: Brussels
State: Brussels Capital Region
Country: Belgium
Release Id: 24032525644