#London #United Kingdom #Africa Rising #LSE Symposium #EMY Africa

Global Thought Leaders Converge at LSE for 2025 EMY Africa Rising Symposium

On July 25, 2025, the prestigious London School of Economics (LSE) played host to the second annual EMY Africa Rising Symposium, welcoming global policymakers, creatives, and business leaders. This prominent event aimed to shape the trajectory of Africa by harnessing innovative ideas and collaborative efforts.

In a strategic partnership with the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa, the symposium took place in the Sheikh Zayed Theatre, under the compelling theme, "Beyond Potential: Africa's Age of Performance." The event gathered influential minds after a prior meeting at New York University on July 11, allowing for collaborative exploration of Africa's multifaceted challenges across various sectors.

Pioneering Dialogue

The symposium was marked by an inspiring opening address from Professor David Luke, who articulated the event's role as a vital forum for courageous discussions and cross-sector partnerships. "This gathering brings together audacious thinkers and global collaborators to engage with Africa's changing role on the world stage," he stated, setting the tone for fruitful discussions to unfold.

Bell Ribeiro-Addy, a UK Member of Parliament, highlighted the importance of strengthening ties between the African diaspora and the continent during her closing remarks. She asserted, "To achieve genuinely mutually beneficial outcomes, we need to cultivate an authentic culture of partnership and collaboration." Fred Rugamba, a diplomat associated with Visit Rwanda, further emphasized this sentiment, shedding light on Rwanda's principle of "umushyikirano," a concept that promotes inclusive governance and participatory dialogue.

A Focus on Creative Transformation

Another significant aspect of the symposium was dedicated to Africa's creative industries. Acclaimed Nigerian actor and producer Richard Mofe-Damijo, along with journalist Nyasha Michelle from the BBC and Taponeswa Mavunga, Director at Sony Music Africa, urged creatives on the continent to reclaim their narratives. Michelle passionately declared, "We must stop waiting for Western media and Hollywood to grant us permission." Mavunga echoed her sentiment, emphasizing the democratization of the media landscape through digital platforms, encouraging creatives to harness the power of social media.

In a heartfelt conclusion, Kojo Soboh, Founder and Executive Director of EMY Africa, reminded attendees of their responsibility towards the continent's youth. He stated, "What we owe our youth is hope. They are our greatest asset." This call to action resonated deeply among participants, leaving them with a renewed sense of purpose.

As the symposium concluded, a networking reception enabled attendees to forge connections and rally around shared visions for Africa's future. The palpable energy in the room reflected a growing optimism about the continent's potential, setting the groundwork for future gatherings.

The EMY Africa Rising Symposium is scheduled to return in 2026, continuing its unwavering mission of fostering intergenerational transformation across Africa. British-Ugandan broadcaster and filmmaker Norman Busigu served as the official press representative for Postcards From The Diaspora, accompanied by Senior Editor Yasmin Minnis. His coverage aimed to bring the symposium's insights to a broader audience, leveraging his extensive experience from notable events including Cannes Lions and SXSW London.

In conclusion, the 2025 EMY Africa Rising Symposium served as a pivotal moment for thinkers and leaders to brainstorm actionable strategies and share ideas that propel Africa toward a promising future. Through collaboration and courage, the symposium reaffirmed the continent's narrative as one of resilience, innovation, and potential for greatness.