Conference Objectives
- Examine economic models driving structural change across sub-Saharan and North African economies
- Bridge the gap between academic research and actionable development policy at national and regional levels
- Spotlight emerging trends in African fintech, digital infrastructure, and technology-led industrialization
- Facilitate South-South and North-South collaboration networks among researchers, governments, and multilateral institutions
- Critically assess the role of foreign direct investment, remittances, and aid in shaping development outcomes
- Chart a new research agenda for Africa’s next economic chapter
Who Should Attend
From central bank officials and ECOWAS staff to university faculty and graduate students, this event serves many groups.
- Development economists specializing in African markets and regional integration
- Government ministers, central bank officials, and economic planning authorities
- Representatives from African Union bodies, ECOWAS, and regional economic commissions
- Researchers and faculty from African, North American, and European universities
- Staff from multilateral organizations including the World Bank, IMF, and African Development Bank
- Private sector leaders and entrepreneurs operating across African emerging markets
- Graduate students and early-career scholars pursuing dissertations in African economic development
Select Ticket Type
The 20th International Conference on African Economics and Development offers a range of registration options for attendees of many backgrounds, from senior faculty and institutional representatives to graduate researchers and independent practitioners. Whether you are joining us to present new research, engage with policy discourse, or expand your professional network across the African economics community, there is a ticket type suited to your needs. All listed ticket prices are fully inclusive of applicable taxes, so the amount you see is the amount you pay.
Registration Fees
- Early Bird Author Registration – US$499 For authors keen on availing a $100 discount on the regular registration fee, early bird registration is recommended.
- Regular Author Registration – US$599 If the early bird deadline has been missed, authors can opt for the regular registration process.
- Listener Registration – US$499 Individuals interested in attending the conference to expand their knowledge and network can register as listeners.
What Registration Includes
- Admission to the conference sessions
- Conference materials
- Presentation opportunity for eligible authors and speakers
- Certificate of participation or presentation for eligible registered participants
- Networking access
- Conference photo session
- Official registration confirmation
- Invitation letter support for eligible registered participants
- Refreshments or meal items as confirmed in the final venue package
Invitation Letter Support
Upon completing your conference registration, you may formally request an official invitation letter to support your travel arrangements and institutional approval processes. This letter is issued on conference letterhead and confirms your participation status, the dates and location of the event in Ajax, Canada, and any relevant details pertaining to your role, whether as a presenter or attendee. Requests are typically processed within three to five business days of receipt.
The invitation letter is designed to assist delegates with securing institutional funding, conference leave approval, and any documentation required by airlines or accommodation providers. It contains verified conference details and is issued by the organizing secretariat. If you require specific language or supplementary information included in the letter, please indicate this clearly when submitting your request through the registration portal.
Please be aware that while the conference secretariat is pleased to provide an official invitation letter to registered participants, this document is issued solely for logistical and administrative support purposes. The issuance of an invitation letter does not guarantee, influence, or constitute endorsement of any visa application. Delegates are solely responsible for initiating visa applications through the appropriate embassy or consulate, and the conference organizers bear no responsibility for the outcome of any immigration decision.
Before You Register
- Registration fees are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another person. If your visa is refused, you get 50% off one new registration for a later edition in your name.
- Your invitation letter is emailed within 3 to 5 business days after your payment is verified.
- You arrange your own visa, travel and accommodation.
Call for Papers – 20th International Conference on African Economics and Development
Authors are invited to submit original, previously unpublished research that advances understanding of economic dynamics, policy solutions, and development challenges across Africa. The program committee welcomes submissions spanning empirical analysis, theoretical modeling, and comparative case studies relevant to the continent’s evolving economic landscape.
Accepted work may be considered for the conference proceedings where applicable and is presented during the event in Ajax, Canada.
Suggested Submission Topics:
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Paper and Abstract Submission
Authors are invited to submit abstracts, research papers, case studies, review papers or professional practice presentations.
All submissions are reviewed before acceptance. Submitted work should be original and not previously published.
For the 20th edition, papers can cover any of the conference tracks, for example Agricultural Markets and Food Systems, Digital Innovation and Economic Opportunities or Climate Resilience and Green Growth.
| Submission Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Abstract | A concise summary of the research, case study or presentation topic |
| Full Paper | A complete academic or professional paper |
| Case Study | A practical business, management or economic case analysis |
| Review Paper | A literature-based research or industry review |
| Professional Presentation | A practice-based presentation from professional experience |
Submission Guidelines
- Submissions must be written in English.
- Submissions must be original and relevant to the conference theme.
- Abstracts should clearly describe the purpose, method, findings and relevance of the work.
- Full papers should normally be between 4 and 12 pages.
- Authors must complete registration after acceptance to confirm participation.
Peer Review Details
All submitted abstracts and full papers are subjected to a double-blind peer review process, with each submission evaluated by subject-matter experts in the field. Review criteria encompass originality, methodological soundness, relevance to African economic development, and the clarity of the contribution to existing literature.
To know more about our peer review details, visit here.
Submission Form
Note: If you are interested in participating as an author, you must submit your paper through the Author Paper Submission Form before completing the payment and registration.
Best Paper Award
The Best Paper Award will be announced at the conference closing session. The winner will be rewarded with:
- The recipient of the Best Paper Award will be recognized with a formal certificate of distinction and featured prominently in post-conference communications, including the conference newsletter and official social media channels reaching African economics scholars and development professionals.
- Winning authors will receive complimentary registration priority for the following edition of the conference, along with an expedited recommendation pathway to a curated selection of peer-reviewed journals in African economic studies, providing meaningful career-advancing recognition for exceptional scholarly contribution.
20th International Conference on African Economics and Development – December 23, 2026 – Ajax, Canada
[Registration starts 1 PM, Gate closes 1:30 PM]
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Registration and networking |
| 10:00 AM – 10:20 AM | Opening remarks |
| 10:20 AM – 11:00 AM | Keynote session |
| 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Technical Session 1 |
| 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Lunch break |
| 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM | Technical Session 2 |
| 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Coffee break |
| 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM | Panel discussion and audience Q&A |
| 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Certificate distribution and photo session |
| 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Networking session |
Venue
To be announced.
Contact Us
3 Massey Square, East York, Ontario M4C 5L5, Canada
E-mail: [email protected]
Participants are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, transportation, visa application and related expenses.
Keynote Speaker
Keynote speaker to be announced. Focus: global transformation, leadership, innovation, and strategic growth.
Conference Terms
- Name or spelling changes to an issued invitation letter cost US$50.
- A notarized invitation letter is an optional extra service (US$100), sent within 10 business days after payment. It supports a visa application but does not guarantee approval.
Terms and ConditionsRefund PolicyNotarized Invitation Letter
Disclaimer
- This conference welcomes interdisciplinary perspectives that intersect with African economics and development, including contributions from political science, sociology, environmental studies, and public health — recognizing that the continent’s development challenges transcend any single academic discipline.
- Submission of an abstract or paper does not constitute confirmed attendance at the conference. Presenters are required to complete full registration and payment by the stipulated deadline to secure their place in the program; failure to do so may result in removal from the official schedule.
- The conference program is organized across multiple concurrent sessions and thematic tracks, and registered attendees are responsible for reviewing the published schedule to identify and attend sessions relevant to their interests; the organizers cannot guarantee personal access to every session in cases of capacity-limited rooms.