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.
2027International Conference on African Development
BUILDING AFRICA'S PRODUCTIVE FUTURE
Upskilling, Efficiency and Accountability for Inclusive Development
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.
Meet the new voices
The first 2027 voices, with more announced as the programme is confirmed.
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 attendee
iCAD 2026
“The quality of the conversations made the conference feel genuinely interdisciplinary.”
Researcher
iCAD 2026
“I valued the space to connect with people working on real development challenges.”
Industry participant
iCAD 2026
“The conference created a strong bridge between scholarship and practice.”
Policy participant
iCAD 2026
“The emerging scholars sessions were especially useful for feedback and new connections.”
Early-career researcher
iCAD 2026
“iCAD is a place where African development questions can be debated with depth and openness.”
Conference attendee
iCAD 2026
“The programme brought together perspectives I would not normally encounter in one room.”
Academic attendee
iCAD 2026
“I left with new ideas, new contacts and a clearer sense of where my work could have impact.”
Professional attendee
iCAD 2026
“The discussions were ambitious but grounded in the realities facing institutions and communities.”
Development practitioner
iCAD 2026
“It felt like a community as much as a conference.”
Returning attendee
iCAD 2026
Those helping
make iCAD happen
iCAD 2027 is delivered with the support of our partner institutions, sponsors and collaborators.
SOAS, University of London
British Council
Ghana High Commission
KGL Group
Jospong Group
Ghana International Bank
UK–Ghana Chamber of Commerce
University of Bradford
Anglia Ruskin University
KNUST
University of Ghana
UCC
Accra Technical University
ExcelPlus EducationAccommodation for iCAD 2027
Suggested accommodation options for delegates travelling to London.
Meet at SOAS.
SOAS, University of London
London, United Kingdom
Planned venue for iCAD 2027 · 16–18 June 2027