Business & Management
Productive enterprises, leadership and workforce development.
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Explore enterprise productivity, leadership, organisational capability, entrepreneurship and workforce development across African economies.
2027BUILDING AFRICA'S PRODUCTIVE FUTURE
Upskilling, Efficiency and Accountability for Inclusive Development
Submissions open 1 October 2026
THE CALL FOR PAPERS IS NOW OPEN.
Extended abstracts, full papers, and practice or policy briefs — across seven thematic tracks. Up to four submissions per author, double-blind reviewed.
1
Delegates
1
Distinguished & Keynote Speakers
1
Thematic Conference Tracks
1
Days of Scholarship & Practice
About iCAD
iCAD is a platform for African researchers, professionals, policymakers and development actors to reframe Africa’s development agenda through rigorous scholarship, policy engagement and practical action. In 2027, the conversation turns to the skills, institutions and leadership needed to build productive and inclusive futures.
01Global Network
02Innovative Ideas
03Real-World Impact
04Better Outcomes
KEYNOTE MOMENTS
PANEL DISCUSSIONS
NETWORKING MOMENTSIdeas from iCAD
Every attendee is encouraged to document key insights, maintain new connections, and apply relevant ideas within their own organization following the conference.
Explore
Programmes
Seven connected themes examine skills, productivity, technology, health, infrastructure, governance and inclusive cities.
Economics, Finance & Accounting
Productive economies, efficient resource use and accountability.
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Examine economic transformation, financial systems, resource allocation, public finance and value for money.
AI, Data & Digital Technologies
Digital skills, artificial intelligence and efficient development.
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Consider responsible AI, data analytics, digital infrastructure, computing, innovation and technology-enabled development.
Health & Medicine
Health workforce development, efficient systems and wellbeing.
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Focus on health systems, medical innovation, workforce capacity, access, quality and inclusive wellbeing.
Engineering & Construction
Technical skills, infrastructure efficiency and sustainability.
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Explore infrastructure, construction, engineering capability, technical education, resilience and sustainable development.
Law & Society
Governance, accountability and institutions for inclusion.
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Discuss law, institutions, leadership, social systems, accountability and inclusive development.
Urban Futures & Development
Skilled, efficient and inclusive African cities.
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Investigate urban productivity, social science, inclusive cities, public services, housing, mobility and development.
2027 keynote speakers
Distinguished voices opening and framing the conversations across iCAD 2027.
Meet the new voices
Our speakers will contribute to thought-provoking discussions aimed at exploring innovative and sustainable solutions to the continent’s most pressing challengesSee all speakers & keynotes
Those helping make iCAD happen
iCAD 2027 is delivered with the support of our partner institutions, sponsors and collaborators
They've spoken at iCAD
Past voices from the iCAD archive, growing edition by edition.
What attendees say about iCAD
Reflections from delegates across previous editions of iCAD
“iCAD gave me a rare opportunity to move between research, policy and practical conversations about Africa.”
Academic attendeeiCAD 2026
“The quality of the conversations made the conference feel genuinely interdisciplinary.”
ResearcheriCAD 2026
“I valued the space to connect with people working on real development challenges.”
Industry participantiCAD 2026
“The conference created a strong bridge between scholarship and practice.”
Policy participantiCAD 2026
“The emerging scholars sessions were especially useful for feedback and new connections.”
Early-career researcheriCAD 2026
“iCAD is a place where African development questions can be debated with depth and openness.”
Conference attendeeiCAD 2026
“The programme brought together perspectives I would not normally encounter in one room.”
Academic attendeeiCAD 2026
“I left with new ideas, new contacts and a clearer sense of where my work could have impact.”
Professional attendeeiCAD 2026
“The discussions were ambitious but grounded in the realities facing institutions and communities.”
Development practitioneriCAD 2026
“It felt like a community as much as a conference.”
Returning attendeeiCAD 2026
Accommodation for iCAD 2027
Suggested accommodation options for delegates travelling to London.
MAKE A TRIP OF IT
A Tour for iCAD 2027 delegates — Details and booking to follow.
Optional delegate tour
Cambridge, the Thames & the West End
One tour, three experiences. Spend the morning and afternoon exploring, the historic colleges and the Backs in Cambridge, then a River Thames cruise past the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye and Tower Bridge, before the day climaxes in the evening in London’s West End theatre district.
- Morning & afternoonThe guided tour
- Evening2027 London West End activities on stage, climaxing with the West End shows
Meet at SOAS
SOAS, University of London
London, United Kingdom
Planned venue for iCAD 2027 · 16–18 June 2027