Themes Africa: The Next Chapter

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In June 2007, TED held its first conference in Africa, titled "Africa: The Next Chapter." Thought leaders from across the continent gathered with counterparts from around the globe to build new and lasting collaborations. Talks from TEDGlobal will appear here over the coming year, as part of the vigorous conversation unfolding worldwide, starting with Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, George Ayittey, Euvin Naidoo, and William Kamkwamba.

Earlier TEDs seeded this conversation: Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the pioneering Nigerian Finance Minister, offers a broader take on trade versus aid, while Jacqueline Novogratz promotes a new way of giving, based on investment. Ashraf Ghani, former Finance Minister of Afghanistan, gives a rousing talk that points the way forward out of the wreckage of a failed state. And Iqbal Quadir talks about the emerging economy where cellphones are both infrastructure and currency.

And then there's Bono, whose memorable 2005 TED Prize acceptance speech was the inspiration for TEDGlobal2007.

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Discuss this theme: Africa: The Next Chapter

  • Lety Kachidza – February 18 2008

    It's interesting that you entitled it Myth of the Motherland -

    I have seen 2 sides of Africa on a personal level where the stereotypes ring true and also where I do not fit the stereotypes that are imposed on me because I am African. These generalisations are dangerous and oftentimes perpetuate the "conventional wisdom" that really isn't wisdom at all. Africa has so many layers of society that have been affected by war, poverty and disease, which I can safely say are a direct effect and intention of colonisation, and sadly enough there are also parts of society that have hugely benefitted from these atrocities. In all the chaos, there is an elite few, african and otherwise, who could probably resuscitate the suffocating economies by simply giving back what they took....(no interest charged!)

    If your documentary aims to enlighten the youth of the east and west that Africans cannot be lumped into one category of starving, poor, sick people at war, I support your cause. If your focus is to prove the myths to be true, I feel it would further exacerbate the negative perception which, quite frankly we have all seen enough of.

    I implore you to bring forward new unexplored territory to the forefront. Tell the story that hasn't been told - THE TRUE STORY.

  • José Tavares – February 13 2008

    Lisa:

    Africa's population is reaching the 1000 Million.
    Unless you've filmed another Africa, the continent is being exploited (people included) from the bottom up, by almost anyone who can put a foot there (local governments included).
    Africans are, mostly, victims of a very 'western', very deadly disease: More than 500 years of colonization. That's history, not a myth.
    On what 'stereotypes' are concerned, they're as human as you & me.


    Cheers. from Portugal.

  • Lisa Russell – February 12 2008

    As a filmmaker who shoots films in and about Africa, I applaud you for bringing these perspectives to the forefront. It is past time for a new dialogue about Africa and the Wests' relationship to the continent.

    For those of you who would like to work with me to bring these messages to young people, please contact me regarding my MYTH OF THE MOTHERLAND documentary film project, intended to address the myths and stereotypes we have about Africans as pure victims to war, poverty and ill health.

    I think you have something remarkable here and I would like to see it reach the younger generation. I can help.

    Lisa Russell
    Producer/Director
    lisa@governessfilms.com

  • dragan martinovic – September 23 2007

    Here is an image and it could be seen as background about theme: Africa: The Next Chapter
    good luck

  • fikre germa – August 12 2007

    excellent presentation by Dr Iweala.On the issue of DISCIPLINE and develpoment.
    This is one domain classically associated with modernization .This concerns the process of rationalizing personal conduct in everyday life, a process so fundamental to
    development that it has aquired its own name as the "disciplinary revolution"(Gorski 1993) this involves a committement to an ethic of hard work ,punctuality,realiability,
    responsibilty and a sence of vocation...I need for leadership focused education in africa

  • Daniel Aduodeh – August 11 2007

    sijambo,, This is so so wonderful, here is to the refire after the original Arusha fire. Good one TED.

  • Bond Emeruwa – August 7 2007

    I am so glad the speaches are finally being released. Now I can relive those great and inspiring moments at Arusha

  • Jonathan McClinton – August 1 2007

    WoW !!!

  • Michael Glass – August 1 2007

    So far I've found more hidden gems here than any of the other themes -- particularly William Kamkwamba's talk. Be sure to take a look at his windmill blog.

  • Erik Hersman – August 1 2007

    Great to see these talks starting to surface. Watching these videos brings back the moments at TED Global that inspired so many of us. George Ayittey's speech in particular is incredibly stirring, and watching William restate "I try and I make" still humbles me.