A road map for growth: How a quarter century of African development can prepare us for the future

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How have African countries met the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century? At the turn of the century, international agencies and governments alike planned for how African countries could succeed in a changing world. While the experiences of individual countries differ and significant progress has been made, much of Africa is still struggling to achieve goals and address issues identified 25 years ago. And with unanticipated challenges—such as China’s growing influence, the digitalization gap, and expanding climate risk—on the rise, examining lessons learned is vital to reshaping Africa’s development trajectory and facing new challenges. 

On June 23, in collaboration with the World Bank, Brookings Global’s Africa Growth Initiative (AGI) is hosting an event which will look back on a quarter century of African development, chaired by Pierre Nguimkeu, Brookings senior fellow and director of the Africa Growth Initiative. The event will begin with a presentation from Chorching Goh, lead economist for Africa at the World Bank Group and editor of the new publication “21st-Century Africa: Governance and Growth,” a retrospective on Africa’s performance over the last 25 years. This event will assess the state of Africa’s political, economic and social development in 2025, reflecting on lessons learned with an eye to future development and growth. 

There will be opportunities for audience Q&A. Please submit questions via email at [email protected] or by using the hashtag #21stCenturyAfrica on X and Bluesky. For additional information, including media inquiries, please contact [email protected].