The 7^th AfricaLics Conference seeks to critically reflect on the relationship between innovation and society in Africa — examining power, inequality, and the social dimensions of innovation in the digital age. It calls for new, forward-thinking approaches to achieving shared development goals across the continent and globally.

Sub-Themes:

• Historical, theoretical and conceptual perspectives on innovation and development
• Political economy challenges for innovation in Africa
• Digital revolution, AI, and the African gig economy
• The creative sector, arts, and innovation
• African knowledge traditions and innovation systems
• Sustainability-oriented innovation (energy, water, agriculture, manufacturing, etc.)
• Innovation policies and socio-economic transformation (STISA 2034, Agenda 2063, SDGs)
• Financing innovation in key economic sectors
• Innovation for sustainable health and wellbeing
• Inclusive innovation, education and development (gender, youth, disability)

Ways to Participate:

1. Paper Presenter

Submit original, unpublished papers (max 8,000 words) aligned to conference sub-themes
2. Thematic Session Organiser

Submit concept notes for special sessions
3. Poster Presenter

Submit a one-page overview of your poster presentation
4. Day Delegate

Attend full conference; open to policymakers, researchers, and practitionersCall for Abstracts Now Open!

Important Dates:

Submission of papers and registration  (ConfTool) opened on 1 March, 2026

Note: Abstract submission is encouraged for paper development and alignment with the conference theme. However, this does not guarantee acceptance of the paper. Nevertheless, full paper submission is still permissible without first submitting an abstract. 17 April, 2026

Notification of Abstract acceptance 15 May, 2026

Deadline for submission of full papers 17 July, 2026

Deadline for submission of concept papers for thematic sessions 17 July, 2026

Notification of paper acceptance (Reviews & Feedback) 28 August, 2026

Conference registration deadline 30 September, 2026

Deadline for up-loading of final paper 02 October, 2026

Conference Dates 10-12 November, 2026

Follow this link to learn more on the conference website.