KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli, delivered a keynote address at the 10th Imbali Conference held at the Bon Hotel in Richards Bay.

The conference was convened under the theme, “Africa Awakens: Possibilities, Progress, Partnerships in a Multipolar World,” and marked a decade of celebrating African intellectualism, thought leadership and progressive dialogue.

The milestone gathering brought together academics, intellectuals, innovators, policymakers and other thought leaders from across the continent to reflect on Africa’s role in shaping global progress.

In his address, Premier Ntuli emphasised the importance of partnerships, knowledge exchange and visionary leadership in unlocking Africa’s full potential in a rapidly changing world.

The Premier said platforms such as the Imbali Conference are essential in ensuring that African voices, ideas and experiences remain central to discussions about development, innovation and global cooperation.

He noted that Africa’s progress depends on stronger collaboration between governments, academia, innovators, the private sector and civil society.

Premier Ntuli further highlighted the importance of positioning KwaZulu-Natal as a province that contributes meaningfully to continental dialogue, economic development and the advancement of African solutions to African challenges.

The conference also provided an opportunity for delegates to explore new possibilities for cooperation in a multipolar world, where emerging economies and developing regions are playing an increasingly important role in shaping the future.

Premier Ntuli commended the organisers of the Imbali Conference for sustaining a platform that continues to promote intellectual engagement, African excellence and partnerships aimed at building a more inclusive and prosperous continent.

The 10th Imbali Conference reaffirmed the importance of dialogue, innovation and collective action in advancing Africa’s development agenda and inspiring new hope for future generations.