The 2025 Global Social Progress Week, convened by the International Panel on Social Progress (IPSP), was more than an exchange of ideas; it was a mirror reflecting the state of humanity’s collective ambition.
As leaders, researchers, and practitioners from across the world gathered to co-create pathways toward a more equitable and sustainable future, a clear message emerged; true progress extends beyond economic growth, it must be grounded in human dignity, inclusion, and shared purpose.
At a time when societies are grappling with inequality, economic fragility, and eroding trust in institutions, the concept of social progress offers both a framework and a moral imperative.
It reminds us that prosperity without fairness is fragile, and innovation without empathy is hollow.
For Africa, this vision is especially urgent. The continent’s youthful energy, creativity, and resilience are unmatched, but structural barriers could still limit opportunity and widen social schisms.
Across the sessions, participants reflected on the need to redefine progress in ways that value care, inclusion, and interdependence as much as efficiency and profit.
The idea of social progress is not abstract; it is about aligning economies with the well-being of people and the planet. For Africa, this requires new thinking that integrates economic progress, social policy, environmental stewardship, and inclusive governance into one holistic development agenda.
African nations are already demonstrating what this can look like in practice.
From fintech startups in Kenya expanding access to financial services, to digital innovation hubs in Nigeria helping young people hone tech skills, and growing creative and technology enterprises in Ghana driving new jobs. Progress is being redefined from the ground up.
These initiatives highlight that the path forward is not about importing models, but about unlocking home-grown solutions and scaling the lessons they offer.
One of the strongest themes emerging from the week was the importance of moving from policy declarations to tangible action.
Too often, social progress remains a concept discussed in forums rather than a lived reality in communities. To make progress real, policies must translate into better livelihoods, stronger public systems, and inclusive spaces for participation.
This means recognising that local actors, youth networks, women’s cooperatives and grassroots innovators are not just beneficiaries of progress, but agents of transformation.
Investing in their ideas and ensuring that development processes are participatory and accountable is central to making progress sustainable.
For Africa, this shift requires a deeper focus on translating research and data into relatable narratives that inspire action.
Social progress in Africa must be built on the principles of equity, access, and opportunity. While economic growth remains important, the question is whether it leads to better education, health, environmental security, and human potential.
Across the continent, innovative models are already bridging this gap. Programmes supporting smallholder farmers, expanding access to renewable energy, and empowering young entrepreneurs are redefining what prosperity looks like.
The International Panel on Social Progress (IPSP)'s global call to action and collective intelligence for action resonates deeply with Africa’s development realities.
The continent’s progress depends not on isolated interventions, but on networks of collaboration that connect governments, researchers, private actors, and communities. Africa’s diversity is its strength; the challenge is to convert that diversity into unity of purpose.
Africa’s population is young, ambitious, and ready to lead. Yet, structural inequalities continue to constrain participation and opportunity.
Social progress, therefore, must mean more than job creation, it must involve empowering young people to shape the systems that govern their lives. Similarly, women remain at the heart of community resilience, innovation, and social cohesion.
Strengthening their access to resources, education, and leadership roles will multiply the continent’s collective gains. Inclusion is not a token gesture; it is the foundation of stability, creativity, and growth.
Dr Margo Thomas is the Co-Executive Director at the International Panel on Social Progress (IPSP). Gerald Chirinda is Founder and CEO Future Africa Forum and Member of the IPSP Advisory Board.
