With just weeks to go before the 2026 International Conference on African Development (iCAD 2026), scholars, policymakers, entrepreneurs and development practitioners from across Africa and beyond are preparing to gather in Cambridge, United Kingdom, for discussions focused on green growth, industrialisation and sustainable development.
The conference, scheduled for June 17–19 at Anglia Ruskin University, comes at a time when many African economies are grappling with climate pressures, unemployment, rising urbanisation and the search for more resilient growth models.
Organised under the theme “Green Transitions and Inclusive Industrialisation in Africa: Theory to Policy and Practice,” the event will examine how African countries can pursue industrial expansion while aligning economic development with environmental sustainability.
Organisers say discussions will span areas including renewable energy, climate-resilient infrastructure, digital innovation, ESG strategies, sustainable cities, entrepreneurship and the future of work in Africa’s emerging green economy.
The conference will feature seven thematic tracks covering business and management, economics and finance, engineering and construction, health and medicine, artificial intelligence and digital technologies, law and society, and urban futures.
Alongside academic presentations, the programme includes industry workshops, publishing sessions, mentorship opportunities and networking events aimed at strengthening collaboration between researchers, industry professionals and policymakers.
The event is being organised in partnership with institutions including The British Council Ghana, UK–Ghana Chamber of Commerce and Ghana International Bank.
The gathering reflects a broader shift in development conversations across Africa toward sustainability, local value addition and innovation-driven growth as governments and businesses confront growing economic and environmental challenges.
Although paper submission deadlines have passed, registration for the conference remains open until June 10, according to organisers.
Standard registration is priced at £185.04, while PhD and master’s students are eligible for reduced registration fees of £145.04.
The conference will also include an emerging scholars’ colloquium, industry engagement sessions and publication opportunities linked to selected academic journals and conference proceedings.
More information on registration and participation is available through the Ghana Scholarly Society website.
As the conference approaches, attention is increasingly turning to Cambridge, where participants are expected to discuss how Africa can balance industrial development, environmental sustainability and inclusive economic growth in the years ahead.
Keynote & Distinguished Speakers
