Ideas And Industries For The Next 10 Years

We asked three renowned futurists for their predictions of what will shape Africa – and the world – in the next decade. Brace yourself for what’s coming.

THE 10 SEISMIC SHIFTS

Renowned New York-based futurist Faith Popcorn, who famously coined the word “cocooning” in 1981 and got most of her predictions right, explores the decade ahead with her 10 “seismic shifts”. “Unthinkable. Apocalyptic. End of days,” says Popcorn. “Those are some of the ways this moment in history is being described. As a futurist, I’m here to tell you that life goes on, with our current challenges quickening our cultural evolution.” In her own words, here’s what she thinks is unfolding over the next decade. “That’s your checklist for understanding our fast-evolving future. The accelerating rate of change may seem scary, but it means there’s never been more opportunity to reinvent tomorrow. Let’s get going,” she says.

1. The Metaverse mandate: Living in the metaverse, a parallel digital universe, is our next frontier. It’s being built by people like artist Krista Kim, whose NFT (nonfungible token) Mars House – a file showing a stunning intergalactic abode — sold for over $500,000. Nightlife will get ‘versed, too. The pandemic may have closed Cape Town’s Raptor Room, but how about tuning into its live music in the ether? Brands are already colonizing this space, with Gucci offering meta-handbags and sunglasses in Roblox, the online gaming platform.