Become a Sponsor
The African Network of Researchers in Learning, Innovation and Competence Building Systems (AfricaLics) is the premier Pan-African platform advancing research, policy, and practice in innovation and competence-building systems. Since its establishment in 2012, AfricaLics has served as a hub where academics, policymakers, industry leaders, development agencies, and innovators collaborate to explore how innovation drives inclusive and sustainable development across the continent.
Every two years, AfricaLics convenes its flagship International Conference, a high-profile knowledge exchange platform that attracts leading innovation and development experts from more than 65 countries. Previous conferences held in Maputo, Kigali, Oran, and Dar es Salaam have become continental milestones in shaping innovation policy and practice.
The 7th AfricaLics International Conference lands in Johannesburg this November and we are proud to announce that the Wits School of Governance is the host institution.
AfricaLics is the continent's foremost platform for innovation systems research, science and technology policy, and development thinking. Since its inception, it has convened the researchers, policymakers and institutional leaders who are building the knowledge architecture of Africa's future.
10 β 12 November 2026
Wits School of Governance, Johannesburg
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β’β β 200+ delegates from 25+ African countries
β’β β Three keynote plenary sessions featuring continental and international innovation leaders
β’β β High-level policy roundtables with government ministers, innovation agency heads and development institutions
β’β β A fully funded PhD Academy supporting 20 competitively selected African doctoral students
β’β β The Wits Innovation Showcase; a live exhibition of Wits research, technology and entrepreneurship
β’β β The AfricaLics Legends Awards and Best PhD Student Paper Award at the Conference Gala Dinner
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South Africa sits at a defining crossroads. Our National Development Plan calls for an innovation-led economy. Our policymakers are designing the frameworks that will determine whether we industrialise sustainably, develop our science and technology capacity, and build the human capital that a competitive, inclusive economy demands.
AfricaLics 2026 is the platform where that agenda meets the evidence. Where the research that should be informing our STI policy is debated, tested and refined. Where the scholars who will advise our next generation of leaders are recognised and supported. And where South Africa takes its place at the centre of Africa's innovation conversation.
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AfricaLics 2026 offers sponsorship partnerships at various levels, each designed to deliver genuine, lasting value to the right partner.
As a sponsor, your organisation will place your brand before 200+ senior delegates from 25+ African countries, researchers, government officials, innovation leaders and development finance practitioners. If your organisation is committed to innovation, sustainability, African development this is your platform, reach out to us; email sibongile.horo@wits.ac.za Minimum sponsorship is R75000, contact us to tailor make a package that suits your organisation.
Sponsors
To partner with the conference or to be a sponsor kindly reach out to our planning committee: sibongile.horo@wits.ac.za
Click here for our Sponsorship Proposal
AFRICALICS PARTNERS
The Wits School of Governance is based at one of the leading higher education institutions in South Africa, the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. The school strives to be Africaβs leading School of Governance by promoting inclusive and transformative governance and contributing to building state capabilities.
As a proud partner and host of the Africalics conference in 2026, the school is excited to welcome scholars, academics and policy makers to its campus and showcase its excellence to the continent. Other partners involved in the success of this conference consists of the Joburg Tourism (MICE), Souther Centre for Inequality Studies and Africa Innovation Summit.