Description

Overview

The IST-Africa 2027 Call for Papers invites submissions for the twenty-second annual Ministerial-level Technology Research and Innovation Conference.

Supported by the European Commission and the African Union Commission, IST-Africa Week 2027 will bring together representatives from public institutions, businesses, education and research organisations, civil society, and funding organisations. Participants will exchange knowledge and experience concerning technology-enabled innovation, science, policy, and research in the context of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The conference will showcase research, innovation, implementation results, entrepreneurship, ICT4D, and global development activities. It will also support policy dialogue and research and innovation cooperation between Africa and Europe, including opportunities under Horizon Europe.

Presentation Opportunities

IST-Africa Week 2027 offers three presentation formats:

1. A published paper presenting research, innovation, or implementation results, accompanied by an oral presentation
2. A published case study accompanied by an oral presentation
3. An oral presentation of interim results during a thematic parallel session

Thematic Priorities

• Technology-enabled Healthcare (mHealth / eHealth)
• Technology-enhanced Learning and eSkills
• Technology-enabled Agriculture (mAgriculture / eAgriculture) and Environmental Sustainability
• Energy: ICT for Power Delivery and Micro-grids
• eInfrastructures and NRENs (National Research and Education Networks)
• Next Generation Computing (Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Cloud Computing, Future Internet, IoT)
• eGovernment and Public Service Delivery
• Content Technologies (including Language and Digital Preservation)
• Cybersecurity, Privacy and Trust
• Collaborative Open Innovation and Technology-enabled Entrepreneurship (including Social Entrepreneurship)
• Global Development (including ICT4D)
• Societal Implications of Technology

Submission Requirements

Authors must submit a full paper using the official IST-Africa Paper Template. Papers must:

• Be between 8 and 10 pages, including references, and approximately 4,000 words;
• Present a case study or an analysis of initial or final research or implementation project results;
• Highlight the level of innovation and the actual or expected impact;
• Include new elements that have not previously been published;
• Appropriately reference all previously published material;
• Support any visionary elements with short use cases demonstrating their applicability; and
• Comply with the requirements for double-blind peer review.

Key Dates

Application Process

Full papers must be submitted through the IST-Africa 2027 conference portal by 31 October 2026.

About IST-Africa

Founded in 2002 and supported by the European Commission and the African Union Commission, IST-Africa is a Strategic Partnership with Ministries and National Councils responsible for Innovation, Science and Technology in 18 African countries. IST-Africa Week has been hosted by IST-Africa Partner Governments since 2006 and is the flagship event of the IST-Africa Institute, coordinated by the IST-Africa Institute and IIMC (Ireland).

Contact

For support organisation enquiries: [email protected]