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25th AABD Conference

President’s Welcome to the 26th Annual Conference

Date : 20 - 24, May 2025

Holiday Inn Johannesburg Sunnyside Park

Download the CFP Registrations & Fees
25th AABD Conference

Conference Venue: Holiday Inn Johannesburg Sunnyside Park

Date : 20 - 24, May 2025

Tracks Speakers / Organizers
About the Event

Reshaping Africa’s Sustainable Development through Digital Inclusion

Join leading scholars, researchers, policymakers, business professionals, civil society representatives and community leaders from across the continent to explore how digital inclusion and artificial intelligence are reshaping Africa’s sustainable development. This global forum will highlight the role of emerging technologies in driving economic resilience, social equity, and environmental well-being.

  • High-profile keynote speakers including world-renowned experts in digital inclusion such as Prof. Samuel Wamba Fosso
  • Workshops, panel discussions and hands-on knowledge sharing
  • Publication opportunities in the AABD Conference Proceedings and the Journal of African Business (JAB)

Be part of this transformative event shaping the future of sustainable development in Africa.

Digital Inclusion for All / Smarter Africa / Think Forward / Sustainable Innovation / Cognitive Shift / AI for Development / Empowering Communities /
Bridging the Digital Divide / Knowledge for Impact / Research for Africa / Future of Work / Ethical Artificial Intelligence / Innovation without Borders /
Why Attend

Your Path to Impact

Level up your knowledge, skills, and network to unlock new academic, professional, and innovation opportunities.

Frontier Research & Insights

Explore the latest breakthroughs on digital inclusion, AI, and sustainable development, presented by world-class researchers and thought leaders.

Skills That Drive the Future

Learn by doing through immersive workshops designed to strengthen your real-world competences in innovation, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship.

High-Impact Professional Connections

Build lasting relationships with influential academics, business pioneers, and policymakers shaping Africa’s digital and sustainable future.

Insight-Driven Leadership

Gain the strategic intelligence needed to navigate the digital era with clarity and purpose, supported by the latest research on AI, innovation, and sustainable development.

From Ideas to Real-World Impact

Turn concepts into practical solutions through applied learning sessions designed to strengthen your ability to create value in your organization and community.

A Community of Changemakers

Join a global ecosystem of innovators committed to shaping Africa’s future through collaboration, knowledge exchange, and purpose-driven action.

“Technology is not driving the world — people are. Our task is to ensure that every African has the opportunity to participate in and benefit from the digital revolution.”

Dr. Bitange Ndemo (Kenya)
Organizers

Discover Keys Members

Prof. Helen Duh
Conference Chair
Dr. Relebohiseng Matubatuba
Committee Chair

Prof. Samuel Wamba

Keynote Speaker

Dr Judy Dlamini

Keynote Speaker
Important Dates

4 Dates to Memorize

  • Date 1

    December 31, 2024
  • Date 2

    February 15, 2025
  • Date 3

    February 28, 2025
  • Date 4

    March 31, 2025
  • Submission Deadline

    Final date to submit abstracts and full papers through the conference portal for peer-review consideration.
  • Notification of Acceptance

    Authors will receive the results of the peer-review process indicating whether their submissions have been accepted.
  • Early Registration Fee Payment

    Deadline to complete early registration and secure reduced conference fees.
  • Final Registration Payment for Program Inclusion

    All accepted authors must finalize registration by this date to ensure their papers are included in the official conference program.
Registration and Fees

Choose Your Pass

Registration until March 22, 2025

Registration after March 22, 2025

Event Location

Location & Venue

Join us in the heart of innovation at San Francisco Tech Pavilion—surrounded by top hotels, transit, and culture.

Place

Holiday Inn Johannesburg Sunnyside Park

Email

info@theaabd.org

All your questions replied!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main theme of the conference?
The main theme of the 25th AABD Annual Conference is “Reshaping Africa’s Sustainable Development through Digital Inclusion.” It examines how digital technologies, innovation, and artificial intelligence can promote economic resilience, social equity, and environmental well-being across the African continent.
Who can submit or participate?
All scholars, researchers, policymakers, business professionals, civil society representatives and community leaders involved in sustainable development and digital innovation are welcome to submit and participate.
What are the important dates to remember?
    Abstracts and full paper submission deadline: December 31, 2024
    Notification of acceptance: February 15, 2025
    Early registration payment: February 28, 2025
    Final registration payment for program inclusion: March 31, 2025
Where and when will the event take place?
The conference will be held from May 20 to 24, 2025 at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
In which languages can papers be submitted?
Submissions can be made in English or French, through the conference submission portal following APA style and the provided template.
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