The 2026 Founders Lecture offers a distinguished platform for intellectual engagement and strategic reflection on the choices, ideas and leadership required to advance Africa’s transformation. Featuring the distinguished Professor Carlos Lopes, one of Africa’s most influential voices on political economy, development, governance, and the continent’s place in the global order, and bringing together leading thinkers, business executives, policymakers, diplomats, academics and development practitioners, this prestigious occasion will create space for dialogue across disciplines and sectors, connecting knowledge with action and vision with opportunity.
Please confirm your attendance by Monday, 9 November 2026. For further information, please contact Ms Masai Mathole, Internationalisation Liaison and Research Specialist, at mathoym@unisa.ac.za or 072 084 8272, or Mr Allie Mathebula, Public Relations Officer, at mathesa@unisa.ac.za or 082 623 1801.
Dress Code: Black Tie
He is a distinguished political economist and Professor at the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance at the University of Cape Town. He has held several senior positions within the United Nations system, including serving as United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa from 2012 to 2016, as well as Director of Political Affairs to former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
He was appointed African Union High Representative for Partnerships with Europe in 2018 and has contributed to major international initiatives on economic development, climate, energy transition and global governance. An award-winning and widely published author, Professor Lopes is recognised for his incisive analysis of Africa’s structural transformation, industrial development, global partnerships and economic agency. His academic affiliations and international engagements reflect a sustained commitment to advancing African perspectives in global policy debates.
Venue: The Maslow Hotel, 209B Aramist Avenue, Menlyn, Pretoria
Event date: 2026-11-19 00:00:00.0
Start time: 18:00:00