The theme for the 2021 Summit of the African Society of Association Executives, scheduled 23-24 September, iis “Enhancing Partnerships, Growth and Opportunities for Associations in a Post-Pandemic Africa”, as the world is fighting hard to gradually emerge from an economic turmoil brought by the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Africa, like the rest of the world has borne the brunt of a crippling health crisis that has shaken the foundation of the socio-economic well-being of its people. The not-for profit sector including associations has not been spared the ramifications of the pandemic. At the onset, many were forced to restructure their operations through taking tough decisions on their funding, staffing and public engagements in an effort to survive. Unfortunately, this has led to the weakening of many organizations and in some cases others have totally collapsed. Yet, amidst this crisis, some have reinvented themselves and managed to not only stay afloat but even thrive. How have they succeeded? What separates the successful ones from the strugglers?
Answers to the above questions, analysts observe, boils down to how an organization leverages innovation, partnerships, and its unique positioning to drive growth. Associations now have the opportunity to re-evaluate their long-term sustainability plans, retool their business approaches, embrace purposeful collaborations, and fully seize new emerging opportunities. Adaptation is the name of the game.
The summit will therefore seek to showcase how African Associations can take advantage of some of these new opportunities, share lessons learnt throughout the crisis, and attempt to paint the picture of associations of the future.
Below are some of the specific 2021 summit objectives you can expect:
Show case opportunities for African Associations in the newly established African Free Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA).
Highlight the contribution of African Associations in the socio-economic development agenda of the continent.
Share educational and learning material on the latest global trends in Associations management.
Facilitate professional connections between African Associations Executives and their international counterparts.
Register here.