ABOUT YOU AS A FUTURES THINKER / PRACTITIONER

You identify yourself as an African futures thinker or practitioner. How would you describe to the woman or man on the street what it is that you do in this regard?

I would say that I write about the future. Sit and listen to people that think of what my country and continent will look like 20- 30 yrs from now and help translate it to everyday people in my writing.

How many years have you worked as an African futures thinker / practitioner?

Just getting started. ☺

In which countries or places have you had working experience as an African futures thinker / practitioner?

Uganda and with online communications globally.

In what languages have you undertaken futures / foresight related work or research?

English

What is it that motivates you to work or participate in the foresight / future studies / related field

I think that I want all the people that read my work to be propelled to think beyond the now and plan for what lies ahead.

What goal/s would you most like to reach with your work as an African futures thinker / practitioner?

Have an audience that not only reads what I write but also uses it as a springboard for the work that they want to do.

Who or what most influenced your thinking as a futures thinker / practitioner, and how?

A group of Futurists that I met at the Searchlight East Africa summit this March. Their passion for what they do was amazing, they clearly need an audience.

What is your main disciplinary background? (i.e. your primary training / qualification)

Journalism

How do other people describe you and how do you describe yourself?

Others describe me as… adventurous

I describe myself as… curious

YOUR PERSPECTIVE

What is one of your favourite quotes about the future?

"Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin." - Mother Theresa

How would you describe the state of African futures thinking right now?

I think that they are beginning to get heard. While it is a struggle to have all other stakeholders contribute to the conversation, I think that the impact is beginning to be felt.

What is, in your opinion, the main barrier to uptake of futures knowledge by African institutions and organisations?

We don’t have the basics to live in the present, how can we think of the future?

If you were to give advice to someone who wants a career in African foresight / future studies, what would you say to him or her?

Think not about yourself but about generations to come. Plan for those.

What are your recommendations for other favourite futures resources: websites, newsfeeds, mailing lists, associations, etc.?

Society for International Development East Africa