Diplomacy for the 4IR in Africa: Short Learning Programme for Policymakers and Leaders

Get ready for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in Africa with our one-month short learning programme. The course starts on 26 May 2025. It is designed for African policymakers, legislators, researchers, and anyone interested in 4IR. You will learn the basics of 4IR and how it affects various aspects of diplomacy in Africa. The programme spans the actors, institutions, and foreign policy challenges relevant to diplomacy in the 4IR and touches on how technological advances will shift diplomacy and foreign relations.

This course will help you understand the 4IR and its impact on Africa. You will learn about why digital change matters for diplomacy, and how this relationship affects the political, economic and security interests of African states. The programme will also teach you about foreign policy tools and how to use them for a successful 4IR transition. By joining, you will gain skills needed to create and manage 4IR strategies in your country or organisation.

The course is open to anyone with a matric certificate (NQF level 4) or equivalent. If you have three years’ experience in public service, civil society, or the private sector, you will get preference. The learning is blended, with both in-person classes and online elements. For more information, contact Prof Lisa Otto, SARChI Chair: African Diplomacy and Foreign Policy, at lisao@uj.ac.za. Take this step to build your skills for the future of Africa.