Western media reports that ‘Africa is Rising’ and a new middle class is emerging on the continent to transform political and economic systems. More sober stories from Mali, Northern Nigeria and Kenya reinforce earlier gloomy impressions and claim that Africa is not rising for all. Both optimistic and pessimistic accounts remain stubbornly dominated by outside voices. What do African writers and thinkers really think about the future?

Africa Talks is a programme of high-profile events that creates a platform for African voices to inform and transform the global debate.

This event forms part of the LSE Space for Thought Literary Festival 2016, taking place from Monday 22 – Saturday 27 February 2016, with the theme ‘Utopias’.

Suggested hashtag for this event for Twitter users: #LSELitFest

Speakers: Leye Adenle, Jennifer Makumbi, Chibundu Onuzo
Chair: Rebecca Jones

All events in the Festival are free to attend and open to all. E-tickets can be booked via LSE online store.