The conference Systems Analysis and Africa took place at the National Research Foundation in Pretoria, South Africa on 3 December 2019 and focussed on the transformative uses of systems analysis to address regional challenges in Africa.



The world is changing at an unprecedented rate and is facing significant challenges of rapid globalization, shifts in economic power, environmental change, and geopolitical conflicts, while undergoing a digital revolution involving emerging technological breakthroughs that have the potential to change how we work, live, and govern. In addition to these challenges, society is also experiencing a period of increasing inequality, global social injustice, and the questioning of scientific processes. 

Considering the interconnected nature of social, economic and environmental challenges, systems analysis – an integrated approach for research and investigation that enables synergies and trade-offs among potential solutions – is an ideal research approach to better understand and provide policymakers and relevant stakeholders with potential strategies to address regional and global challenges. 

In Africa, countries face regional challenges including poverty, hunger, the competition for natural resources, transboundary issues, environmental problems, and the need for effective sustainability strategies. The Systems Analysis and Africa conference, co-hosted by the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), the National Research Foundation, South Africa (NRF), the Department of Science and Innovation of the Republic of South Africa (DSI) and the Southern African Systems Analysis Center (SASAC), explored how the multilateral application of systems analysis can be used to address those challenges.  

The conference leveraged the strong relationship between South African and IIASA expertise in systems analysis methodologies to discuss and analyze transformative approaches aimed at increasing the impact and effectiveness of its investments. Mechanisms discussed included capacity development programs, global research networks and research for development and regional challenges. 




Conference Program

Speakers and Panelists

Venue and Logistics

Conference Partners and Committees

Conference News and Announcements

Conference keynote presentations, images and media


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Last edited: 28 July 2021

CONTACT DETAILS

Sepo Hachigonta

Director, Strategy, Planning and Partnerships (SPP)

The National Research Foundation (NRF)

T +27 (0) 12 481 4180

Conference Program and Book of Abstracts

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Science Forum South Africa (SFSA)

4-6 December 2019

International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)
Schlossplatz 1, A-2361 Laxenburg, Austria
Phone: (+43 2236) 807 0 Fax:(+43 2236) 71 313