by Phumla Mkize
More than 300 thought leaders will gather in Pretoria for the annual Future of Work 4IR Dialogue to find practical solutions to fast-track the adoption of new technologies to improve inclusive economic growth in Africa.
Hundreds of experts are expected to gather at the third Annual Future of Work 4IR Dialogue to be held in Pretoria on 11 and 12 November 2024.
The dialogue is hosted by Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) through one of its innovations divisions, the Institute for the Future of Work (IFOW).
It will be held on November 11 and 12 at The Maslow Times Square, at Menlyn Maine in Pretoria East.
It brings together top innovators, industry leaders, government officials, policymakers, academics and researchers, start-ups, and financial institutions to collaborate on practical solutions to tackle the challenges brought about by the fourth industrial revolution.
With South Africa and many other African countries facing challenges of poverty and unemployment, it is important that technological advances contribute to the growth of the African economy. Technology developments must also encourage inclusive participation of all in the economy rather than widen the gap of access to opportunities, especially for the previously disadvantaged.
Cognisant of to these challenges, the Future of Work 4IR Dialogue aims to engage thought leaders throughout the continent to find innovative solutions to increase Africa’s competitiveness in the global economy.
Now in its third year, the 2024 instalment of the dialogue will be held under the theme “Collaborate, Innovate, Thrive: Unleashing Innovation to Build a Future-Ready Africa”. It builds on the work that TUT’s IFOW has done in the past two years through the dialogue.
This year’s discussions will centre around the spirit of the African Union’s (AU) Agenda 2063, whose aim is to transform Africa into a global powerhouse with technology, innovation and skills as the major drivers for the continent’s success.
Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, TUT’s Vice-chancellor and Principal, said the dialogue is rallying academia, industry, civil society and government to work together in building the required capacity to ensure the success of the AU’s Agenda 2063. He said through the dialogue, IFOW is also advocating for action to support the realisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Africa’s prosperity.
“We hope to take a critical look at emerging technologies and the positioning of Africa in the global discourse of innovation,” he said, adding that at the conclusion of the discussions, a collaborative agenda for creating and adopting new forms of business and work practices will developed.
Prof Maluleke emphasised the importance of collaboration by different sectors to support innovation and to drive inclusive economic growth. He said this will result in the creation of new industries to increase job opportunities and stimulate impactful entrepreneurship across the continent.
Tseliso Mohlomi, Senior Director of IFOW said one of the topics that will be discussed is “innovation ecosystems in Africa”. It will look at successful models for innovation by leveraging emerging technologies and identifying key enablers for nurturing innovation across different sectors.
He said the discussion on “digital transformation and future skills” will explore the impact of digital technologies and the skills divide on employment.
“Public-private partnerships for innovation” will examine effective collaboration frameworks between governments, businesses, academia, and start-ups to drive innovation. While “inclusive growth” will focus on the role of technology in expanding access to skills, opportunities, financial services and investing will be analysed.
In addition, the role of technology in stimulating economies and promoting inclusive economic growth, especially considering the AU Agenda 2063 goal of establishing continental financial and monetary institutions that are functional, will also be examined.
The dialogue will feature keynote addresses, expert panel discussions, networking sessions and exhibitions of innovations used in various sectors.
- To take part in the dialogue, contact Tseliso Mohlomi, Senior Director at the Institute for the Future of Work (IFOW), +27 12 382 5001,
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Dr Unene Gregory, Project Manager for Public and Private Partnerships at IFOW +27 12 382 2849,This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - For media enquiries, contact Phaphama Tshisikhawe, University Spokesperson 066 211 1441,
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