This editorial essay introduces the special issue, which is a direct outcome of the 2023 Academic Conference on Africa convened by the United Nations Office of the Special Adviser on Africa. Proposed by the SDG Academy at the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and the United Nations Office of the Special Adviser on Africa, the issue conveys articles on the future of development in the region, presented as expert commentaries, to add to the discourse informing the UN Summit of the Future and events in its aftermath. With contributions from several top experts, scholars, and policymakers, the special issue conveys a wide array of perspectives on sectors such as health, education, urban development, energy, and more. Furthermore, it highlights important issues underlying development that inhibit wide-scale and sustainable progress, including post-colonialism, gender inequality, governance, and conflict and crisis. The 19 contributions in this special issue offer rich threads of commentary that weave together a picture of various African futures—futures that are bold, transformational, and sustainable when they leverage the momentum of social policies, economic pivots, and energy transitions. The issue examines the vast potential for improved development outcomes within Africa as well as advancing the region ‘s competitiveness at the global level. This editorial essay provides a summary of the articles and encourages reflection on disrupting long-held narratives on Africa ‘s development, better contextualizing policies and practice, and embracing the rich opportunities for African nations that are associated with current global challenges.