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Futures Studies Forum (FSF)



Purpose of FSF

Futures studies Forum for Africa & the Middle East (FSF) is a non-governmental organization established in Cairo, aiming to, to re-connect North Africa with Africa again by demonstrating a shared future, and re-build connections between Sub-Sahara Africa and the MENA region.

This objective is to be fulfilled through conducting futures studies and contributing in the development of the region. Through this forum it is expected to enrich the field of futures studies with focus on Africa and the Middle East, through networking and conducting joint research studies, conferences, and training courses, with our partners in the region and worldwide.

Public awareness to futures studies and future issues related to the region is to be raised through participation in media programs, organizing competitions in the field of futures studies, and publishing a periodical bulletin. FSF publications are published through the electronic portal of FFD.


FSF Vision & Mission

Futures studies Forum for Africa & the Middle East (FSF) was established in 2012 aiming at realizing the following vision: “A distinguished think tank in the field of Futures Studies, for Africa and the Middle East”.

FSF will be guided with the following mission: "To effectively contribute to the development, welfare, and economic- cultural integration of North Africa, the Middle East, and the Sub-Sahara Africa via the successful utilization of futures studies and futurists’ experience”.


FSF Objectives and activities

The Futures Studies Forum for Africa & the Middle East (FSF) aims to influence the long-term development of Africa and the Middle East by utilizing futures studies, focusing on the following objectives:

  • Supporting decision-makers in visualizing medium and long term perspectives through futures studies and future scenarios, for the aim of developing a common shared future for Africa.
  • Raising public awareness concerned with the futures studies in the region.
  • Establishing networks and partnerships with local, regional and international futures studies centers.
  • Building an intellectual robust forum bringing together thinkers, innovators and researchers from regional and local research centers.
  • Developing a strong base of highly qualified human resources in the field of futures studies.

These objectives are fulfilled through the following activities:

  • Scanning future trends in Africa & the Middle East, and determine the main areas of innovation catalyzing and driving change in the region.
  • Translating available data and information into alternative future scenarios.
  • Undertaking scientific studies and reports, using quantitative and qualitative methodologies of futures studies effectively.
  • Publishing and promoting results of the FSF studies through media platforms.
  • Establishing networks and partnerships with regional and global research centers.
  • Providing training and education.
  • Organizing conferences, workshops and seminars related to futures issues.

FSF outputs

  • Future visions & strategies reports in various sectors and domains.
  • Monitoring reports; global and local trends monitoring reports, digest report for recently published global and local future studies.
  • Research studies, policy papers, and policy briefs in various sectors and domains.
  • Futures bulletin: A periodical bulletin concerned with future issues.
  • Conferences and workshops; future studies conferences and workshops in various sectors and domains.
  • Training courses and programs; Future studies tools and methodologies training courses and manuals.
  • Website: Website containing information about the futures studies forum, electronic publishing of all studies of the forum, electronic portal embodying websites of futures studies centers in Africa, and the Middle East, and recent electronic database for futures studies.
  • Media programs; Television and audio programs, and newspaper articles related to future issues.

Issues and subjects of interest

  • Regional trends
  • Energy
  • Water, Food, and Agriculture
  • Environment and Natural Resources
  • Education, Science and Technology
  • Population and Health
  • Governance
  • Regional integration and Global context
  • Values, Media, and Culture
  • Business and entrepreneurship.

Methodologies and Research Tools

Research studies are conducted using futures studies methodologies such as: Scenarios, Delphi Technique, Trend Impact Analysis, Modeling, Environmental Scanning, Cross Impact Analysis, Future Wheel, Genius Forecasting, Road Mapping, Morphological Analysis, Focus Groups, Systems Approach Methodologies, and other techniques.


FSF target audiences

  • Decision makers in Egypt, Africa, and the Middle East.
  • Civil society: Political parties and nongovernmental organizations in Africa and the Middle East.
  • Academics, research centers and literati.
  • Private sector: Business men and business councils.
  • International organizations:

FSF partners


FSF Organizational Structure:

FSF contains five main units:

  1. 1. Research and studies unit: aiming at conducting and exchanging research to design a better future, in coordination with the Donors and foreign organization.
  2. 2. Public Awareness and public relations unit: aiming at enhancing the public awareness about futures studies and future issues..
  3. 3. International Relations Unit: aiming at establishing a viable network and personal contacts with similar centers at the local and regional levels.
  4. 4. Training unit: aiming at developing scientific skills and experience in various futures methodologies. This will be in cooperation with the Donor and other international institutes capable of transfering its technologies to the Egyptian centers.
  5. 5. Supporting activities unit: aiming at developing the financial and legal affairs of the forum.

FSF will be steered by an advisory board. This board consists of prominent experts, academics, and public figures in Africa and the Middle East. A non permanent committee will be formed to provide the needed expertise in certain case by case issue. Moreover, on-demand consultants will be temporarily hired to participate in various studies, seminars, workshops and conferences.

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