Afrotopia? Visions of a Sustainable Future

By 2050, Africa is projected to be home to 13 of the world’s 20 largest cities​ and will have the youngest population globally. This demographic and urban growth offers not just challenges, but enormous potential — especially if the continent can chart its own sustainable development path.

Instead of repeating old models of development rooted in dependence and extraction, a new vision is emerging — one grounded in homegrown innovation, sustainable business, and local ownership. Africa has the opportunity to leapfrog fossil-fuel dependency and embrace climate-smart technologies, circular solutions, and resilient infrastructure — on its own terms.

The concept of Afrotopia put forward by Felwine Sarr​ challenges outdated narratives.

Through keynotes, panel discussions, and project showcases, we explored the shift:

• From deficit to potential
• From aid to investment
• From imposed solutions to self-determined futures

We heard from on-the-ground innovators, Swiss-Africa partnerships, and emerging market investors who are co-creating Africa’s sustainable future. The future is being written now, and it demands a new narrative.