Forces of Change: The speakers in session 9 of TEDGlobal 2013

In George Ayittey’s classic TED Talk from 2007, he describes two factions in Africa toggling for control — the “hippo generation,” the ruling elites riddled with corruption and inaction, and the “cheetah generation,” the fast-moving entrepreneurial leaders with the ability to create change. This session — guest hosted by TED Fellows Adrian Hong (who works to empower citizens with technology) and Erik Hersman (a pioneer in the African tech community) will examine how, and if, the latter has pushed forward change in the past six years, while also looking at other parts of the world facing rapid evolution.

Here are the speakers who appeared in this session of TEDGlobal 2013. Click the speaker’s name for a full recap of their talk:

Dambisa Moyo is an international economist who analyzes the macroeconomy and global affairs.

In “The Fastest Billion,” Charles Robertson re-examines the narrative of economic growth in African nations.

The publisher and editor of Stuff magazine, Toby Shapshak is a South African writer focusing on innovation — and the role it plays in Africa.

Just a Band, the artists behind Kenya’s first viral video, burst out of obscurity with their exuberant fusion of African funk and electronica.

Following the fall of Gaddafi, Mustafa Abushagur served as Libya’s first Deputy Prime Minister and briefly as the Prime Minister-Elect.

Joseph Kim escaped alone from North Korea at the age of 16, first to China and then to the United States.