AfricaLics

PHD Academy Deadline Extended!

Great news! The application deadline for the AfricaLics PhD Academy has been extended to 1st May 2026.

We also welcome Master’s students to apply,a great opportunity to engage, learn, and connect with a vibrant research community.

We also strongly encourage applications from female scholars and researchers from low-income countries. Creating an inclusive and diverse academic space is at the heart of what we do.

Don’t miss this chance to be part of a dynamic network shaping research and innovation in Africa.

Apply now before the new deadline!

https://africalics.org/event/12th-phd-academy/

Only 2 days to go!

We invite submissions for the 7th AfricaLics International Conference, centred on:

"Critical, Retrospective and Creative Perspectives on Innovation and Society in Africa"

Join leading scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to explore how innovation intersects with inequality, power, and inclusive development in Africa.

Be part of the conversation shaping Africa’s innovation future.

Please note that abstract submission is optional and can be completed directly in the ConfTool text field. The deadline for full paper submission is 17th July 2026.

🔗 https://lnkd.in/dMRY4xs8



Wits - University of the Witwatersrand

Call for Papers: is now open!

Be part of the 7th AfricaLics International Conference in Johannesburg (10–12 November 2026).

Theme: Critical, Retrospective and Creative Perspectives on Innovation and Society in Africa.

Submit your original research (max. 8,000 words)

Abstract deadline: 17 April 2026

Link: https://www.conftool.net/africalics2026/

Call for Applications: 12th PhD Academy

The AfricaLics 12th PhD Academy on Innovation and Competence Building Systems will take place in Johannesburg, hosted by the Wits - University of the Witwatersrand

The Academy brings together PhD scholars from across Africa working on innovation and development, providing a unique platform for advanced training, mentorship, and peer learning. Participants will have the opportunity to present their research, engage with leading scholars, and strengthen their analytical and research skills.

Application deadline: 15 April 2026!

If you are a PhD student at an African university researching innovation and development, this is a great opportunity to connect, learn, and contribute to shaping Africa’s innovation landscape.

Learn more and apply: https://africalics.org/event/12th-phd-academy/

Day 1 Highlights – RCA Research Workshop | Nairobi, Kenya

Day 1 of the Research Coordination Areas (RCA) Workshop brought together members of the AfricaLics network to strengthen collaboration and advance Innovation & Development (I&D) research in Africa.

The day featured an overview of the role of RCAs within the AfricaLics network and the new Research Capacity Strengthening (RCS) project, alongside insights from a bibliometric analysis highlighting the impact of AfricaLics research capacity building activities from 2012–2024.

Participants also engaged in interactive discussions and presentations across four key research areas: STI Measurement in Africa; Global Value Chains, Innovation and Industrialization; Inclusive Agricultural Innovation for Climate Resilience; and Innovation and Sustainable Energy Transition in Africa (i-SET Africa).

The day concluded with a panel discussion on funding for networked research in Africa and group sessions exploring future research collaborations.

Find out more here: https://africalics.org/thematic-areas-rcas/

From Discrimination to Commitment

How can emerging economies bridge the gap between diversity policy and practice? Join AfricaLics for an insightful webinar on Diversity Management. This session explores how organizations can move beyond basic compliance toward true inclusion and commitment in the workplace.

Date: Thursday February 26, 2026
Time: 14:00 – 15:30 (CET)

Register/Learn more here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/QmNTuSUiT_yIggEwrXS9vA #/registration

Meet Mercy Jacobs Sinmidele, an AfricaLics VFP Fellow who is changing the narrative for smallholder farmers in Nigeria.

Her PhD research at the focuses on a powerful combination: Index-Insurance and Micro-Credit. By studying how these innovations improve maize productivity, Mercy is providing the evidence needed to build more resilient food systems in North Central Nigeria.

"The AfricaLics fellowship helped me view financial tools not just as products, but as part of a larger innovation system," says Mercy.

Watch her story to see how academic research is driving real-world impact!

Transforming Smallholder Farming: Meet Mercy Jacobs, VFP 2025 Cohort. In this video, Mercy Jacobs Sinmidele, a PhD candidate from the University of Ilorin and a fellow of the AfricaLics Visiting PhD Fellowship (VFP), discusses ...

We’re excited to share the latest profile from the VFP 2025 cohort! Meet as he opens up about his academic journey, research focus, and vision for impact.

Inside the Journey of Mohamed Hassen Toyib – VFP 2025 Cohort Meet Mohamed Hassen Toyib, a fellow of the AfricaLics Visiting PhD Fellowship Programme (VFP) 2025 cohort! In this video you’ll discover:• Mohamed’s backgrou...

Now Live on YouTube!

Get to know Aline Mutabazi, a fellow of the VFP 2025 Cohort, as she shares her inspiring academic journey and research vision.

Join us in celebrating the next generation of research leaders.

Feel free to like, comment, and share!

Meet Aline Mutabazi | VFP 2025 Cohort What drives a researcher to pursue impact beyond academia?Meet Aline Mutabazi, a student of the VFP 2025 Cohort, as she spotlights her academic journey, rese...

Conference Reminder!

AfricaLics conference 2026 - Call for Papers & Posters!

Submit your paper by 31 May 2026 via the link below.

Acceptance notifications: After 1 July 2026
Final papers due: 1 August 2026
Poster presenters: Submit a one-page overview by 31 May 2026.

Please note: Poster presenters cover their own conference costs.

https://lnkd.in/d5_gynAH

Season’s Greetings from the AfricaLics Secretariat! 🎄

As 2025 comes to a close, we want to extend our warmest thanks to our members, partners, and donors for a year of collaboration, learning, and innovation across Africa. Your support continues to strengthen research capacity and advance knowledge networks that make a real impact.

We’re also excited to share that our latest AfricaLics Newsletter is now live! You can access it through the link attached to catch up on our key activities, achievements, and stories from across the network.

Wishing you a joyful holiday and a prosperous New Year!

https://africalics.org/wp-content/uploads/AfricaLics_Newsletter_Dec25.pdf