iCAD 2026
17 – 19 June 2026 at ARU, Cambridge
Theme: Green Transitions and Inclusive Industrialisation in Africa: Theory to Policy and Practice
Submission deadline: 31 March 2026
Standard registration fee for academics and corporate attendees: £175.04 for early bird (up to 19 May 2026) and £195.04 for later registration
Reduced fee for PhD and Masters student attendees: £125.04 for early bird registration (up to 19 May 2026) and £145.04 for later registration
Registration deadline: 10 June 2026
Publication: The British Library will publish the conference proceedings (Print ISSN: 3033-523X; Online ISSN: 3033-5248). Good papers may be developed for journals such as Thunderbird International Business Review, Africa Journal of Management, African Affairs, Business Strategy and Development, Journal of African Business, and others.
Despite the external assistance to develop Africa over the years, the expected results have not been fully realised. African professionals and African researchers are best placed to uncover the enduring solutions Africa needs to develop. The International Conference on African Development (iCAD) is a platform for African researchers, professionals, and development actors to reframe Africa’s development agenda through rigorous scholarship and practical engagement. It aims to examine policy, business, and community-based strategies that promote inclusive growth and long-term sustainability across the continent. The 2026 theme, “Green Transitions and Inclusive Industrialisation in Africa: Theory to Policy and Practice”, seeks to explore how green innovations and sustainable industrial strategies can drive job creation, value addition and equitable development. This year’s focus highlights the growing urgency to align Africa’s development models with environmental sustainability while empowering youth through education and entrepreneurship.
The conference, in partnership with the Anglia Ruskin University, The British Council Ghana, Ghana High Commission (UK), UK–Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UK–GCC), Ghana International Bank, Taptap Send Money Transfer, OMAXX, First Klass Shipping, and ExcelPlus Education, will be hosted by Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, from 17 to 19 June 2026. The involvement of these key partners emphasises the commitment of the Ghana Scholarly Society to foster dialogue, build partnerships in addressing the continent’s pressing sustainability challenges.
Africa’s vast natural resources should not be a curse, but a blessing. Despite vast natural resources and a youthful population, industrialisation has lingered, often dependent on carbon-intensive and extractive models. However, Africa stands at a critical juncture. Climate change, economic vulnerability, and demographic pressures seem to reshape the continent’s development landscape. Green transitions present new opportunities for value creation, sustainable growth, and employment, especially for Africa’s youth. Yet, this will require innovative policies, cross-sector collaboration, and strong institutional frameworks. This conference provides a space for interdisciplinary exchange and policy engagement, with a commitment to Africa-led development and global collaboration.
The conference planning committee and the Ghana Scholarly Society, in collaboration with partners and Anglia Ruskin University–Cambridge, look forward to hosting the iCAD Annual Conference 2026.
The call for papers and submissions opens on 18 August 2025 and will close on 31 March 2026. More information is available on the GSS website – www.ghscholars.com. Outcomes of the paper submission will be communicated by April 10, 2026.
Early bird registration will also open on April 10, 2026, to enable delegates to plan in advance.
The Gala Dinner will take place on Thursday 18 June 2026, at one of Cambridge’s prestigious venues.
The conference is open to all academics and professionals whose work focuses on Africa and/or sustainable development. There will be seven thematic areas. Each track will feature an experienced academic/industry speaker, an early career researcher (ECR) or practitioner, and oral presentations based on accepted abstracts. The event also includes workshops on publishing, CV writing, and interview techniques. There will be a PhD colloquium and a workshop for industry and professionals to present insights and solutions for Africa’s green transition.
Topics may include:
Topics may include:
Topics may include:
Topics may include:
Topics may include:
Topics may include:
Topics may include: