NAIROBI, Kenya – The Global Centre for Policy and Strategy (GLOCEPS) convenes its Grand Strategy Fellowship (GSF) Forum today under the theme “Nurturing Impactful Geopolitical & Strategic Influence.”
The Forum brought together strategic thinkers, policymakers, scholars and emerging leaders for high-level engagement on geopolitical dynamics and the role of strategic leadership in shaping Kenya’s, Africa’s and the world’s future.
Speaking at the opening of the forum, GLOCEPS Executive Director Dr. K. O. Asembo, PhD, says Africa’s future depends on strategic thinking.
“Africa’s future will depend in no small measure on how we think strategically, learn from our experiences, prepare our next generation of leaders and translate knowledge into action,” Dr. Asembo said.
Dr. Asembo says the world is changing rapidly and Africa must choose to lead rather than watch.
“We meet at a time when the world is changing rapidly. Competition among powers, economic nationalism, technological disruption and regional conflicts are reshaping international relations,” he says. “The decisions made beyond our borders increasingly affect our security, economy, technological capabilities and development prospects.”
He poses the central question for the Fellowship: “The question is whether Africa will remain a spectator to these changes or strengthen its capacity to shape the international environment in pursuit of its interests.”
Dr. Asembo says Kenya’s strategic journey offers practical lessons for the continent.
“Kenya’s strategic journey offers valuable lessons for answering this question. Through our diplomatic engagements, regional peace initiatives, participation in multilateral institutions, economic partnerships and technological innovation, Kenya has built experiences from which the wider continent can learn,” he notes.
He adds, “Our successes deserve recognition, but our setbacks also deserve honest reflection.”
GLOCEPS says the GSF Forum provides a platform for meaningful engagement between experienced policy veterans and emerging professionals. It is grounded in the conviction that Kenya’s strategic journey offers practical lessons for Africa to project its voice, advance its priorities, and protect its interests in global affairs.
For experienced practitioners, the Forum offers an opportunity to share institutional knowledge and pass on lessons from achievements and setbacks. For emerging professionals, it offers direct engagement with individuals who have shaped policy, diplomacy, security, and economic development.
The Forum also seeks to move beyond conversation to practical action, turning Kenya’s experience into a resource for continental learning and helping Africa confidently shape international agendas.
