The Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance

30/10/2026

Africa's green transition presents major opportunities for innovation, investment and industrial growth. But what policies and strategies are needed to unlock this potential?

Join Professor Rainer Quitzow and Dr Nimrod Zalk for a discussion on the future of green industrialisation, with a focus on fertiliser production, decarbonisation and sustainable economic development.

Date: Thursday, 12 November 2026
Time: 10:00-11:00 SAST
Hybrid format: Online via Zoom and in person at the Nelson Mandela School, UCT Lower Campus
RSVP: https://bit.ly/4znZeRp

Professor Rainer Quitzow is a leading expert on green industrial policy, he explores the opportunities and challenges of greening fertiliser production, driving decarbonisation and shaping industrial policy for the future.

29/10/2026

Only 2 more days to apply! Applications for the Africa-Europe Cooperation for the Green Transition programme close on 1 November 2026.

Working in policy, public service, civil society or development? Strengthen your knowledge and impact in climate and sustainable development through:

• Insights from leading experts
• Cross-continental perspectives on the green transition
• Connections with professionals across Africa and Europe
• Practical tools for advancing sustainability and climate action

Take the next step in your green transition journey. Apply before the deadline: https://bit.ly/4b7uAD4

Applications are open for the next cohort of the Africa-Europe Cooperation for the Green Transition programme.

Why apply?
- Insights from leading experts
- Cross-continental perspectives
- Connections with professionals across Africa and Europe
- Practical tools for advancing sustainability and climate action

Take the next step in your green transition journey and apply before 1 November 2026: https://bit.ly/4b7uAD4

26/10/2026

Call for Papers: Conference on Advancing Africa's Industrialisation

We are encouraged by the strong interest and submissions received so far for the Conference on Advancing Africa's Industrialisation, taking place from 14-16 April 2027 in Cape Town.

Thank you to all researchers, policymakers, practitioners, postgraduates and development partners who have already submitted papers.

There is still time to contribute to this important conversation on 'Building Regional Value Chains for a Green and Resilient Future'

We invite submissions aligned with the conference sub-themes, including:
1. AfCFTA, Industrial Policy and Structural Transformation
2. Regional Value Chains and Industrial Development
3. Green Industrialisation and Climate-Resilient Development
4. Critical Minerals, Beneficiation and Strategic Industries
5. Agriculture, Agro-processing and Bioeconomy Development
6. Infrastructure, Energy and Industrial Competitiveness
7. Industrial Finance and Investment
8. Technology, Innovation and Skills Development
9. MSMEs, Youth and Women's Participation in Industrialisation
10. Towards COP32: Africa's Green Industrialisation Agenda

Submission guidelines:
• Full papers of 6 000-8 000 words
• Include title, authors, affiliations and corresponding author details
• Five keywords and selected conference theme required

Deadline: 31 January 2027

Selected papers will be considered for publication opportunities, including edited volumes, journal special issues, conference proceedings, policy briefs and working papers.

Submit your paper here: https://forms.gle/54UmkQEkgK4qVWyX7

23/10/2026

Take the next step in your green transition journey and apply before 1 November 2026: https://bit.ly/4b7uAD4

The Africa-Europe Cooperation for the Green Transition programme is designed for professionals seeking to strengthen their knowledge and impact in climate and sustainable development.

Who should apply:
- Public sector leaders
- Policy professionals
- Civil society practitioners
- Development specialists

Applications are open for the next cohort of the Africa-Europe Cooperation for the Green Transition programme.

Why apply?
- Insights from leading experts
- Cross-continental perspectives
- Connections with professionals across Africa and Europe
- Practical tools for advancing sustainability and climate action

Take the next step in your green transition journey and apply before 1 November 2026: https://bit.ly/4b7uAD4

21/10/2026

Are you interested in Africa's green industrial future?

The Nelson Mandela School invites you to a special discussion with Professor Rainer Quitzow on the opportunities and challenges of greening fertiliser production, decarbonisation and industrial policy. This conversation will be moderated by Dr Nimrod Zalk, Chief Research Officer: Climate and Economic Development at the School.

Date: Thursday, 12 November 2026
Time: 10:00–11:00 SAST
Format: Online and in person at UCT

Reserve your place: https://bit.ly/4znZeRp

This session forms part of our ongoing conversations on leadership, governance and sustainable development in Africa.

21/10/2026

In his latest opinion piece, Prof Carlos Lopes challenges conventional perceptions of risk in African finance and argues for a more nuanced approach that reflects the continent’s realities and opportunities.

As Africa seeks to mobilise capital for sustainable growth and transformation, rethinking how risk is assessed will be critical to unlocking investment and accelerating development.

Read full article in the link below.

Africa’s objective is not to redefine risk in its favour. It is to ensure that risk is defined correctly.

21/10/2026

Happening today, Governing Africa's Digital Future: Leadership, Innovation and Inclusive Trade under the AfCFTA series

Hear from Dr Talkmore Chidede and Dr Makaziwe Makamba as they explore the opportunities and challenges shaping Africa's digital future, followed by an interactive discussion and audience Q&A.

Date: Wednesday, 21 October 2026
Time: 11:00–13:00 (South African Standard Time)
Format: Hybrid event

There's still time to register and join the conversation: https://bit.ly/4imKSdt

Join us for our upcoming Leadership in Action conversation on Governing Africa’s Digital Future: Leadership, Innovation and Inclusive Trade under the AfCFTA.

As Africa embraces digital transformation and advances AfCFTA implementation, how can leadership ensure innovation delivers inclusive growth, economic integration, and shared prosperity for all?

We are also pleased to share a speaker update: Dr Makaziwe Makamba will join the conversation, replacing Dr Ilana Wisby. She will be joining Dr Talkmore Chidede for what promises to be an insightful discussion.

Date: Wednesday, 21 October 2026
Time: 11:00–13:00 (SAST)
Venue: Linkoping House, 27 Burg Road, UCT Lower Campus, Rondebosch
Format: Hybrid event
RSVP: https://bit.ly/4imKSdt

20/10/2026

Join us for our upcoming Leadership in Action conversation on Governing Africa’s Digital Future: Leadership, Innovation and Inclusive Trade under the AfCFTA.

As Africa embraces digital transformation and advances AfCFTA implementation, how can leadership ensure innovation delivers inclusive growth, economic integration, and shared prosperity for all?

We are also pleased to share a speaker update: Dr Makaziwe Makamba will join the conversation, replacing Dr Ilana Wisby. She will be joining Dr Talkmore Chidede for what promises to be an insightful discussion.

Date: Wednesday, 21 October 2026
Time: 11:00–13:00 (SAST)
Venue: Linkoping House, 27 Burg Road, UCT Lower Campus, Rondebosch
Format: Hybrid event
RSVP: https://bit.ly/4imKSdt

19/10/2026

A gentle reminder that there's still time to participate in this week's Leadership in Action conversation on: Governing Africa’s Digital Future: Leadership, Innovation and Inclusive Trade under the AfCFTA

As Africa advances digital transformation and the implementation of the AfCFTA, this discussion will explore how leadership can help ensure digital innovation drives inclusive development, economic integration and shared prosperity.

Date: Wednesday, 21 October 2026
Time: 11:00–13:00
Venue: Linkoping House, 27 Burg Road, UCT Lower Campus, Rondebosch
Hybrid event, RSVP to attend: https://bit.ly/4imKSdt

The conversation will feature insights from Dr Talkmore Chidede and Dr Ilana Wisby, followed by a moderated discussion and audience engagement.

16/10/2026

Applications are open for the next cohort of the Africa-Europe Cooperation for the Green Transition programme.

Why apply?
- Insights from leading experts
- Cross-continental perspectives
- Connections with professionals across Africa and Europe
- Practical tools for advancing sustainability and climate action

Take the next step in your green transition journey and apply before 1 November 2026: https://bit.ly/4b7uAD4