Rethinking Africa's Relationship with Resources: The Threat of Growing Resource Scarcity Against Urgent Development Needs
We are excited to welcome Prof. Linda Godfrey as one of the keynote speakers at the World Resources Forum 2025, taking place 2–3 September in Geneva. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear her insights live on stage!
Prof. Godfrey is a globally recognised voice in circular economy thinking for developing contexts, with over 25 years of experience in the sector. She is a Principal Scientist at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), an Extraordinary Professor at North-West University in South Africa, and holds a PhD in Engineering.
She currently manages Circular Innovation South Africa (CISA) and leads the implementation of South Africa’s Waste Research Development and Innovation Roadmap on behalf of the national government. Over the years, she has provided strategic input to a wide range of local, regional, and international waste and circular economy initiatives—advising institutions such as the United Nations, European Union, World Bank, South African Government, Academy of Sciences, International Solid Waste Association, as well as universities and businesses.
Her keynote, titled “Rethinking Africa’s Relationship with Resources: The Threat of Growing Resource Scarcity Against Urgent Development Needs”, will set the stage for a critical conversation at WRF2025:
Most African countries can be considered 'Build' or 'Grow' countries. These are countries facing energy, water, food, housing and infrastructure insecurity, and are in urgent need of development to ensure improved quality of life for all.
As Prof. Linda Godfrey states: “Most African countries can be considered ‘Build’ or ‘Grow’ countries. These are countries facing energy, water, food, housing and infrastructure insecurity, and are in urgent need of development to ensure improved quality of life for all. There is a call for ‘Material-smart’ and ‘Material-efficient’ development in these countries. But what does this development trajectory look like and what does it mean for Africa’s relationship with its resource base, given that very little of Africa’s resources currently go into its own stock building?”
Join us in Geneva to hear Prof. Godfrey live on stage and be part of shaping new resource strategies for a fair and sustainable future.
Shape the Future of Resources at WRF25
The World Resources Forum 2025 (WRF25) conference will bring together decision-makers, experts and innovators to co-develop actionable solutions for sustainable resource strategies. By focusing on three key resource hotspots—the extractive sector, built environment, and consumer and industrial goods—WRF25 aims to spark cross-sector collaboration and drive systemic change.
The path to a better future starts with bold questions, and collaborative solutions.
Will you be part of the solution?
Join us on 2-3 September in Geneva and 4-5 September online!