Collective Conversations #3 – Africa’s agency in global rules

On 18 September 2025, the University of Cape Town (UCT) hosted the third instalment of its Collective Conversations series under the theme: “Remaking Global Rules: African Agency in a Fragmented World Order”. The dialogue brought together leading voices from business, academia and governance, including Chief Executive Officer of Naspers South Africa, Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, economist and global governance expert, Professor Carlos Lopes, UCT governance scholar, Professor Richard Calland, and Dr Linda Mtwisha, UCT’s director of research.

The discussion unpacked Africa’s unique position in a rapidly shifting global landscape defined by demographic change, technological acceleration, and climate disruption. Speakers emphasised the urgency for Africa to move from participation to genuine influence in global rulemaking across finance, technology, and climate diplomacy – and the critical role that African academia must play in shaping knowledge systems, research agendas, and the next generation of leaders.

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