Africa has no shortage of young people, natural resources or ambitious businesses. The harder question is whether the continent can turn those assets into productive enterprises, better jobs and institutions that deliver.
That question will take centre stage in London next year when the International Conference on African Development (iCAD) holds its fourth annual conference from June 16–18, 2027, at SOAS University of London.
The conference, organised in partnership with the Ghana Scholarly Society and SOAS, will focus on “Building Africa’s Productive Future: Upskilling, Efficiency and Accountability for Inclusive Development.”
The theme puts three issues at the heart of Africa’s development challenge: whether people have the skills needed for changing economies, whether businesses and institutions can use resources efficiently, and whether those responsible for delivering results can be held accountable.
From education to productivity
For the organisers, Africa’s challenge is no longer simply about expanding access to education.
As technology changes jobs and businesses face growing pressure to compete, the conference will examine whether education and training are giving workers the technical, digital, managerial and entrepreneurial skills employers and economies increasingly need.
Discussions will cover SME growth, entrepreneurship, workforce productivity, access to finance and economic transformation, alongside trade and regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Artificial intelligence and digital technology will also feature prominently, including their implications for jobs, education, business transformation, cybersecurity and public-sector efficiency.
Making institutions work better
The conversation will extend beyond businesses and workers to the institutions that shape economic activity.
Sessions will examine financial accountability, public-sector performance, procurement, governance, digital regulation and leadership, while other discussions will focus on health systems, infrastructure, energy, manufacturing and African cities.
The conference will also bring policymakers, businesses and practitioners into the discussion through an Industry, Policy and Practitioners Workshop on June 17.
Participants will be expected to move beyond describing problems and share practical interventions, evidence of progress and lessons that could be applied elsewhere.
Taking research beyond the conference room
A key part of iCAD 2027 will be turning research into practical recommendations.
Selected academic papers, practitioner submissions and conference discussions are expected to feed into policy briefs for governments, businesses and development partners.
The conference will also feature an Emerging Scholars Colloquium for PhD students and early-career researchers, alongside workshops designed to help researchers develop their work for publication.
The British Library is expected to publish the conference proceedings, while suitable papers may be developed further for submission to academic journals.
Call for papers opens October 1
The call for papers opens on October 1, 2026.
Researchers can submit two- to four-page extended abstracts, while professionals and policymakers can submit 500-word practice or policy briefs for the practitioners’ workshop.
Early-bird registration for members is £250, rising to £285 after March 31, 2027. PhD and Master’s students will pay £200 under the early-bird rate and £250 thereafter.
Registration closes on June 10, 2027.
The conference will also feature the GSS Annual Awards, a Best Paper Award, networking sessions and a conference dinner on June 17.
More information on the call for papers and registration is available at www.icadconferences.com. Organisers can be reached at [email protected]
