African countries start the new year with hope and optimism, as many continue to improve governance, deepen economic growth and advance democratic reforms. However, instability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, rising extremism in Mali and Nigeria, and ongoing youth unemployment in much of the continent make the great expectations for Africa seem fragile at times.

On January 9, the Africa Growth Initiative at Brookings will host a discussion with leading African experts on what the most pressing issues and challenges are for the continent in 2013. The panel will include: Professor Jeffrey Sachs of Columbia University, who will appear via video conference; Laura Seay, assistant professor at Morehouse College; and Senior Fellow Mwangi Kimenyi, director of the Africa Growth Initiative at Brookings. Isha Sesay, anchor on CNN International, will moderate the discussion.

The event follows the release of the new Foresight Africa report, a collection of short briefs on the major issues for Africa in 2013.

After the program, the panelists will take audience questions. This event will also be live webcast and the discussion can be followed on Twitter using hashtag #ForesightAfrica.

Click here to register to attend the event in person

Click here to register for the live webcast

RELATED: Discordant Development and Insecurity in Africa (Richard Joseph)

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