Hosted and organized by Hivos, African Crossroads is a community of future-oriented African thinkers and doers. They meet every year to reflect critically on the most cutting-edge developments anchored in African intellectual and technological traditions.

Paths to Renewal 2023

In 2023, we are gathering under the theme ‘Paths to Renewal’, a refreshing take on the progress we have made so far. We are looking forward to reconnecting with our fellow crossroaders, meeting new faces, and discovering new perspectives. Join us for this exciting event and be part of the change you want to see in Africa!

Since 2018, the #AfricanCrossroads community has explored various themes that shape our continent and our vision for 2025. Click here for Past Editions

Why creatives and the tech community are important

Imaginative expression has been necessary to find solutions to some of the most pressing problems facing human, social and urban growth and development. Now, a new breed of change makers, specifically from the creative and design space, is offering solutions to today’s challenges. This is important. Because research from agencies such as UNESCO shows that creativity, innovation and culture are drivers of socio-economic development. Creatives not only boost economic growth, but spark new ideas for improving present and future societies.

How African Crossroads contributes to sustainable development

Over the last years, African Crossroads held cross-continental gatherings for African artists, entrepreneurs, computer scientists, designers, researchers, and philosophers. Here they exchanged knowledge, debated on subjects that enrich Africa’s development agenda, and proposed solutions to specific problems. The events featured design exhibitions, workshops, art installations, brainstorming sessions and public discussions about the latest inventions and innovations in science, art, and technology.

Where

The event takes place in different locations in Africa and invites participants from throughout the continent.

Contact Us

Contact us: africancrossroads@hivos.org

Results so far

In 2018, the inaugural edition of African Crossroads was held in Marrakech, Morocco. Dubbed “The Fourth Industrial Revolution,” its multi-disciplinary participants explored their own roles in shaping Africa’s ongoing technological and intellectual revolution. The 2019 edition, themed “Sense the City,” convened in November in Mombasa, Kenya, to positively shape the future of African cities. In 2021, African Crossroads organized its fourth edition. The theme of the gathering was ECOEXISTENCE. At the end of the gathering, participants emerged with an actionable manifesto that aims to shape the trajectory of Climate Justice on the African continent.

In 2022, we conducted reflective and consultative sessions to brainstorm on the future of African Crossroads vision 2025, titled “Moving Forward #BuildingTheBlueprint”.

Period

Inaugural edition organized in 2018

Partners and donors

Partners vary from year to year, depending on where the event is held. African Crossroads is an initiative of and organized by Hivos’ R.O.O.M. program, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA).