7th Africalics Conference
AfricaLics (African Network for Economics of Learning, Innovation, and Competence Building Systems) is a pan-African research network that brings together scholars, policymakers, and practitioners working on innovation and development in Africa. As the African chapter of the global Globelics network, AfricaLics aims to promote inclusive and sustainable growth through high-quality research, capacity building, and evidence-based policy dialogue.
The network connects researchers across the continent to examine how learning processes, innovation systems, and competence building drive economic and social transformation. Its activities include international conferences, training programmes, PhD academies, fellowships, and networking opportunities designed to strengthen research capacity and address under-researched areas relevant to Africa’s development challenges.
AfricaLics conferences convene a diverse community of participants from academia, government, industry, civil society, and international development organisations. The programme typically features world-class keynote speakers, high-level policy dialogues linking research to practice, and cutting-edge research presentations by both established and emerging scholars. Participants also benefit from dedicated networking opportunities, including exhibitions and social events, fostering collaboration and long-term partnerships.
Paper Submissions
Conference Theme:
Critical, Retrospective and Creative Perspectives on Innovation and Society in Africa
The 7th 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 and forward-thinking approaches to achieving shared development goals across Africa and globally.
You can submit for paper and poster presentations. A limited number of conference registrations will be available for organisers of and presenters in thematic sessions – special panels, posters, plenary workshops (curated), and roundtables – approved by the Scientific Conference Committee.
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)