LSE alumni return to campus for Futures Forum 2026

More than 100 leaders from across Africa and the UK gathered at LSE for Futures Forum in July 2026, an event hosted by the Programme for African Leadership at the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa . The Forum brought together current students, alumni, policymakers, researchers and partners in an intergenerational collaboration designed to turn ideas into action.

Among the alumni returning to campus was former Nigerian Vice President and LSE alumnus Professor Yemi Osinbajo, who delivered the keynote address. He highlighted Africa’s renewable energy potential and called for greater investment in solar infrastructure and innovative financing, arguing that Africa's future will depend not only on its resources, but on the partnerships needed to unlock them.

Opening the Forum, Professor Emma McCoy, LSE’s Vice President and Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education), said: “Some of the most important thinking about the future will come from, and through, spaces like this, where different generations, disciplines and perspectives come together to tackle shared challenges.”

The event featured contributions from a number of LSE alumni working across public service, finance, entrepreneurship, innovation and international development. Alongside Professor Osinbajo, alumni contributors included Amb. Amr Aljowaily (African Union), Chinelo Anohu (Mutandis Africa), Fadilah Tchoumba (African Business Angel Network), Laolu Samuel-Biyi (Busha and Venture Garden Group), Dr Chris Agape (Imperial College London), Oyin Solebo (Cascador), Leyla Mouli (ARISE IIP) and Professor Augustus Nuwagaba (Bank of Uganda). Discussions were designed to generate practical ideas and foster partnerships between students, alumni and practitioners.

Professor David Luke, Professor in Practice and Strategic Director at the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa, said: “One of the strengths of Futures Forum is that it moves beyond discussion. By bringing together students, alumni, policymakers and practitioners, we create a space where ideas can be tested, partnerships can be formed, and evidence can inform action. That is how universities make a meaningful contribution to society.”

Ideas developed during the Forum will be taken forward through collaborative Working Groups, contributing to the Futures Forum 2026 White Paper and a series of evidence-informed policy recommendations.

To find out more please contact Tosin Adebisi.