This session serves as the inaugural event of the CSIS Africa Program’s new Spotlight on Africa conference series, which will profile political and economic trends in some of the continent’s largest and most dynamic economies. The series will bring together political figures, business leaders, and independent analysts for an in-depth, forward-looking examination of challenges, constraints, and opportunities in growth, investment, democratic change, and social development.

We begin with South Africa, which is currently Africa's largest economy but faces uncertain prospects for near-term growth, inclusivity, and competitiveness. Municipal elections in August 2016 revealed declining support in urban centers for the ruling Africa National Congress (ANC), emboldened the opposition Democratic Alliance and Economic Freedom Fighters, and brought divisions within the ANC over leadership and the future of the party into more public view. South Africa has entered a critical and challenging period, but can draw on the country’s many strengths, including a vibrant and vocal civil society, support for democratic norms and institutions, and a history of resilience and transformation. Join us for an examination of these political and economic developments following an opening keynote address by U.S. Ambassador to South Africa Patrick Gaspard.

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