AfricaLics (African Network for Economics of Learning, Innovation, and Competence Building Systems) is a research network for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners focused on innovation and development in Africa, aiming to foster inclusive growth through high-quality research, capacity building (like PhD academies and fellowships), and policy dialogue, as the African chapter of the global Globelics network. It connects researchers across the continent to study how learning and innovation systems drive economic and social progress, offering activities like conferences, training, and networking to build expertise and address under-researched areas.

Join us for the 2026 conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, hosting the next AfricaLics International Conference, expected to draw 200 delegates, including representatives from academia, government, industry, civil society, and international development agencies.

The three-day programme will feature:

• World-class keynote speakers addressing critical issues in innovation and development.
• High-level policy dialogues linking research evidence to African and global policy agendas.
• Cutting-edge research presentations from established and emerging scholars.
•  Unique networking opportunities, including exhibitions, a welcome cocktail, and a conference dinner. 

PhD Academy

2 November - 12 November 2026

Wits School of Governance

The purpose of the AfricaLics PhD Academies is to support the training of African Doctoral students engaged in research in the field of 'Innovation and Development'; a multidisciplinary social science research area that includes elements of innovation studies and development studies. This is an under-acknowledged field of study in much of Africa. The Academies provide a chance for PhD students to come together and support each other as well as receive training and stimulate their awareness of policy and management issues related to this field of research. The major goal is to ensure that young scholars are equipped with the requisite research, theoretical and analytical capability to interrogate the African innovation landscape with the ultimate goal of being able to generate evidence-based insights for potential uptake by policymakers, private sector and civil society actors, international development agencies and other stakeholders.

For more information on how to participate; reach out to phd-academy@africalics.org