Africa stands at a critical juncture, with unprecedented opportunities driven by its youthful population and the growing demand for sustainable agricultural transformation. The African Union’s Decade for Accelerated Action for the Transformation of Education and Skills (2025-2034) and the CAADP Kampala Declaration (2026-2035) provide strategic frameworks to harness education, science, and innovation for inclusive development and the realization of Agenda 2063. Building on commitments made during the 21st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), African universities have pledged to intensify efforts to transform higher education systems and enhance their contribution to development. This includes advancing transformative, digitally enabled education; transitioning toward 4th-generation universities that integrate teaching, research, innovation, and community engagement; leveraging emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and data science; and strengthening agriculture as a cornerstone for economic growth and resilience. The 22nd RUFORUM AGM will serve as a strategic platform to assess progress, share innovations, and identify actionable pathways for translating research and educational advancements into tangible development outcomes across Africa. RUFORUM, in partnership with the Government of the Republic of Zambia and member universities, is pleased to announce the call for abstracts for the 22nd RUFORUM AGM. This convening serves as a strategic platform for African universities to assess efforts to produce relevant human capital and science-based solutions to underpin the continent’s development. Dates: 30th November – 4th December 2026. Venue: Livingstone, Zambia. Host Institutions: University of Zambia (UNZA), Copperbelt University (CBU), Mulungushi University (MU), and Kapasa Makasa University. Thematic Areas for Submission Abstracts are invited under the following sub-themes and critical topics: Theme 1: Enhance Africa’s Human capital to drive the continent’s development. Background Africa’s development trajectory is strongly tied to the quality, relevance, and adaptability of its human capital. With over 60% of the population under 25, the continent has a unique demographic advantage that can drive economic transformation if effectively harnessed through education and skills development. However, persistent gaps remain between higher education outputs and labour market demands, particularly in agriculture and related sectors (African Union, 2025). The Decade for Accelerated Action for the Transformation of Education and Skills in Africa (2025–2034) underscores the need for inclusive, digitally enabled education systems aligned with emerging global trends such as artificial intelligence, data science, and green economies. Universities must therefore transition from traditional knowledge transmission models to more dynamic approaches that foster critical thinking, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Embedding experiential learning, interdisciplinary approaches, and digital competencies into curricula is essential for producing graduates capable of addressing complex development challenges. Strengthening human capital also requires promoting gender equity, youth inclusion, and lifelong learning systems that support continuous upskilling and reskilling (World Bank, 2023). Sub-themes Employment and work transitions. Skilling for the world of work. Strengthening teaching and learning (learner-centered, problem-based, and competence-based learning). Innovations in curriculum review and industry-university apprenticeships.  Theme 2: Building a Resilient and Productive Economy Background Agriculture remains central to Africa’s economic transformation, contributing significantly to employment, food security, and livelihoods. However, the sector faces increasing challenges, including climate change, land degradation, low productivity, and limited value addition. The Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Kampala Declaration (2026–2035) calls for a transition toward resilient, inclusive, and market-oriented agricultural systems capable of sustaining growth and withstanding environmental shocks (African Union, 2026). Achieving this transformation requires strengthening agricultural value chains, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and improving access to markets, finance, and technology. Universities and research institutions play a critical role in generating innovations that enhance productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and support sustainable resource management. Additionally, policy coherence and evidence-based decision-making are essential for creating enabling environments for agribusiness development and rural transformation (FAO, 2022). Sub-themes Resilient agrifood systems and climate-smart solutions. Digital transitions, artificial intelligence, and robotics in agriculture. Policy information and evidence-based investments. Wealth creation for young women, men, and agrarian communities. Theme 3: Harnessing African universities and partner opportunities for mission delivery Background Universities are increasingly recognized as key actors within innovation ecosystems, contributing not only through teaching and research but also through partnerships that drive societal impact. The concept of 4th-generation universities emphasizes the integration of education, research, innovation, and community engagement, alongside strong collaboration with government, industry, and civil society (Etzkowitz & Zhou, 2018). In Africa, such partnerships are essential for overcoming resource constraints and scaling impactful solutions. Strategic collaborations enhance knowledge exchange, facilitate technology transfer, and mobilize resources for research and innovation. Engagement with the private sector supports the commercialization of research outputs, while collaboration with policymakers ensures that scientific evidence informs development strategies. Furthermore, South–South and global partnerships offer valuable opportunities for shared learning and capacity strengthening (OECD, 2021). Sub-themes Translating science into businesses and jobs (business incubation and venture capital). Centers of excellence, leadership, and operational standards. Strategic partnerships for infrastructure development. Resourcing for mission delivery. Theme 4: Capacity Sharing to Train the Next Generation Background The sustainability of Africa’s development depends on its capacity to train and retain a new generation of scientists, innovators, and leaders. Capacity development must extend beyond individual training to include institutional strengthening, regional collaboration, and knowledge-sharing networks. Platforms such as RUFORUM have demonstrated the effectiveness of collaborative training models, including joint degree programmes, staff exchanges, and regional research networks, in building critical mass and enhancing quality (RUFORUM, 2023). Mentorship, mobility programmes, and inclusive training approaches are essential for nurturing talent and fostering innovation among young researchers. Addressing gender disparities and promoting equitable access to opportunities for women and marginalized groups remain critical priorities. At the same time, digital technologies offer new opportunities to scale capacity development through open learning platforms and virtual collaboration (UNESCO, 2024). Sub-themes Digital networks and open science platforms. Joint research and academic mobility programmes. Thematic consortia and regional centers of excellence. Submission Guidelines Format: The scientific sessions will be conducted in a blended manner (face to face and online), and will include both oral and poster presentations. Target audience: Researchers, innovators, students, academia, and private sector leaders. Recognition: Outstanding achievers, including young scientists and agri-preneurs, will be recognized during the event. Abstract Format: The abstract format should be submitted as a Word document. Scientific sessions will be conducted in a blended manner (face-to-face and online) and will include both oral and poster presentations. Abstract text: The abstract should have a maximum of 300 words excluding title, author names, and affiliations) and should include key issues: with objectives, methods, results, and implications of findings. Do not include tables and graphs, and bullet points in the abstract. Target Audience: Researchers, innovators, students, academia, and private sector leaders. Submission Link: Abstracts must be strictly submitted via this link: 2026 Abstracts submission Submission deadline: Please submit your abstract no later than 15th July 2026. (Submissions sent via email will not be accepted. Provide a clear and concise abstract of no more than 300 words (including spaces), excluding the title, authors’ details, and keywords. Please do not include figures or tables. Authors of accepted abstracts will be invited to submit a full paper. Once accepted for the conference, these will be published in either the RUFORUM Working Document Series (https://repository.ruforum.org/), the African Journal of Rural Development (https://afjrdev.org/index.php/jos), or other peer-reviewed journals. All papers will be subjected to peer review and plagiarism checks before publication. You may submit more than one abstract. However, individuals selected for oral presentations will be permitted to give only one. Any additional accepted abstracts from the same presenter will be allocated as posters. Posters must be printed in A0 paper size (Height: 118.9 cm and Width: 84.1 cm). Only vertically oriented (portrait) posters will be accepted. Important Dates: Abstract Submission Deadline: 15th July 2026 Notification of Acceptance: 15th August 2026 Full Paper Deadline for accepted abstracts: 15th September 2026 Enquiries should be submitted to ruforumpapers@ruforum.org with a copy to b.yamungu@ruforum.org;  m.majaliwa@ruforum.org and chewe.nkonde@unza.ac.zm  Read more

RUFORUM is pleased to announce the Postgraduate Webinar Series, a structured online learning and orientation platform designed to strengthen postgraduate training and support across the RUFORUM Network. The series responds to the need for practical, timely, and widely applicable support for postgraduate students as they navigate research, supervision, professional development, and preparation for future contributions to their universities and communities. Specifically, the initiative targets the Master’s and PhD students by strengthening their capacities in safeguarding, research support, digital skills, and agribusiness development. Each session will be delivered online for two hours and facilitated by subject-matter experts. Universities, supervisors, and programme teams are encouraged to share this announcement widely with eligible postgraduate students and support their participation where possible. Learn more about the webinar schedule and register through this link:https://news.ruforum.org/ruforum-postgraduate-support-webinar-series-june-september-2026/?utm_source=RUFORUM+Mailing+List&utm_campaign=437ccb654e-RUFORUM+Weekly+-+Vol.3+No.25_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1fcfbb8a0b-437ccb654e-346981101&ct=t()&goal=0_1fcfbb8a0b-437ccb654e-346981101&mc_cid=437ccb654e&mc_eid=2397799980 Read more

22nd RUFORUM ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING   THEME: Translating higher agricultural education, innovation, and research into action for Africa’s agricultural transformation and development Pre-conference events: November 23rd– 29th 2026, Main conference events: November 30th – December 4th 2026  Venue: Avani Hotel, Livingstone, Zambia   Introduction In October 2025, the African Union launched the Decade for Accelerated Action for the Transformation of Education and Skills in Africa (2025-2034). This strategic document along with the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP-Kampala Declaration 2026-2035) are essential for unlocking opportunity for Africa’s young population, and its agriculture sector in the journey to achieving Agenda 2063, the Africa We Want. Among the outcomes of RUFORUM’s 21st Annual General Meeting (AGM), African universities pledged to intensify their efforts to transform higher education, engage science, technology and innovation, leverage their capabilities (intellectual and physical infrastructure, as well as their social capital) to underpin production of graduates and science solutions for Africa’s development in the 21st century. These ambitions must be strategically executed to underpin: Transformative education whose content and delivery is contextual, relevant, digitally enabled, and aligned with labour market needs; Reforms that accelerate the transition toward 4th-generation universities, which integrate teaching, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and community impact; Accelerate impact of artificial intelligence, robotics, and digital tools on the world of work and integrate digital literacy, data science, and emerging technologies into teaching and research; and, Actions that support and growth and transformation of agriculture, Africa’s most strategic sector to unlock widespread development opportunity for the continent.  During the upcoming 22nd RUFORUM Annual General Meeting (AGM) in December 2026, African universities will meet to assess and draw lessons from recent efforts that aim to produce relevant human capital and science solutions for the continent. The themes of the 22nd Annual General Meeting The main theme of the 22nd Annual General Meeting, is Translating higher agricultural education, innovation, and research into action for Africa’s agricultural transformation and development. Sub-theme 1: Enhancing Africa’s Human Capital to Drive the Continent’s Development This sub-theme focuses on strengthening Africa’s human capital as a foundation for sustainable socio-economic transformation. Discussions will examine employment trends, labour market transitions, and strategies for preparing graduates and young people for emerging opportunities in the world of work. Particular attention will be given to skilling approaches that align education and training systems with industry needs, technological change, and entrepreneurship. The sub-theme will also explore innovative pathways for improving employability, lifelong learning, and workforce adaptability to ensure that Africa’s youth can contribute to national and continental development agendas. Sub-theme 2: Building a Resilient and Productive Economy This sub-theme will explore pathways for strengthening Africa’s economies through resilient agrifood systems, digital transformation, and evidence-informed policy investments. Deliberations will highlight innovations that improve agricultural productivity, climate resilience, and food security while leveraging digital technologies to drive efficiency and inclusion. The sub-theme will also address mechanisms for generating wealth and expanding economic opportunities for young women and men, and agrarian communities. Emphasis will be placed on the use of data, research, and evidence to support strategic investments that promote inclusive growth, sustainable livelihoods, and economic resilience across the continent. Sub-theme 3: Harnessing African Universities and Partner Opportunities for Mission Delivery This sub-theme examines the role of African universities and strategic partnerships in advancing development and innovation. It will address resourcing for mission delivery through centres of excellence, leadership development, infrastructure investment, and institutional partnerships. Discussions will further explore strengthening Zambia’s higher education sector to support national development priorities. The sub-theme will also focus on translating science into businesses and jobs through incubation, university-industry collaboration, and supportive policy environments. In addition, it will highlight innovations in teaching and learning, including learner-centred approaches, curriculum reform, technology-enabled education, and postgraduate training aimed at producing graduates equipped with 21st-century skills. Sub-theme 4: Capacity sharing to train the next generation This conference sub-theme will explore how cooperative capacity development approaches might transcend continental disparities in expertise, facilities, and innovation. Emerging platforms and models, such as digital networks and open science platforms for improving access to learning and research infrastructure, joint research and academic mobility programmes that harmonise competencies and foster cross-border learning, and regional centres of excellence and thematic consortia that consolidate talent and infrastructure will be examined for scaling and resourcing. Key events of the 22nd Annual General Meeting The AGM will involve different convenings such as: Pre-AGM events that will include training sessions in: Zambia higher education day, student technology hackathons, advanced data management and analytics, among others; Conference activities include strategic partnership events, high level policy events, RUFORUM Governance meetings, scientific conference (oral and poster presentations), and exhibitions. Additionally, field visits will be held. recognition of outstanding achievers including young scientists, model farmers and young agripreneurs will be made. Expected participants The AGM event brings together academia and science leaders, policy makers (including ministers and technical experts), higher education leaders in Africa, development partners, private sector leaders, researchers, innovators, students, and farmer organizations, among others from Africa, the global south and global north. Approximately 600 participants are expected to attend the AGM. Call for Expression of Interest to hold Pre-Conference or Side Meetings RUFORUM invites interested institutions/organisations and individuals to hold pre-conference or side events[1] aligned to the overall conference theme and directly contributing to the achievement of the conference objectives. The pre-conference or side events should be contributing new knowledge or equipping Africans with new skills to address the challenges and seize opportunities in one or more sub-themes scientific sessions to contribute to Africa’s development. Each event should therefore showcase or equip African agriculture and research ecosystem actors with novel knowledge and skills to innovate for Africa’s development. How to express interest to hold a Pre-conference and/or Side Event Interested organisations/institutions/individuals should provide 1–3-page Concept Note of the proposed event.  The Concept Note should include the following sections. Title of the event. Brief background including rationale and objectives. Event delivery approach and draft programme. Expected outcomes specifying new knowledge or competency that will be delivered to enable a specified actor in the higher agriculture and research ecosystem to address challenges and seize opportunities in one or more sub-themes scientific sessions to contribute to Africa’s development. Target group of the pre-conference or side event. Number of participants. Sitting arrangements. See examples here Equipment required to hold the event (projectors, video conferencing equipment, Public Address System, Video coverage etc. required to hold a quality events) Branding and publicity materials to be brought and those required (flyers, pull-up stands, tear drops, LED Screens, Videos etc.) Dissemination plan including live media coverage platforms social media, live streaming on e.g., Facebook; twitter and YouTube if applicable, and Number and category of participants who will be funded by the side event organisers (excluding the organisers). The Program Committee requires that for an event to be accepted, the organisers should cover the travel, registration, and accommodation costs of at least five (5) participants preferably Principals and Deans from outside Zambia to the meeting excluding the event organisers.    Side event dates and duration The preconference events will take place between 23rd – 29th November 2026. Events taking place in this period can run for a period of one to five days between 8:30am and 4:30pm CAT. During the AGM, side events may be organised on a day that will be specified in the programme. The day allocated for side events will be shared with organisations which will have expressed interest to host side events. Events taking place during this day must take place for only one day between 8:30am and 4:30pm CAT. Reporting for Side Events To ensure coherence in reporting of the overall conference, all side event’s organisers will prepare a summary report of their events as a contribution to the broader conference report, a day after holding the session. A report of a maximum three (3) pages should specify the following. Objectives of the Side Event. The sub-theme that the Side Event is contributing to. The success stories/best practices shared/new skills or competency delivered. Challenges and opportunities identified. Practical recommendations, and, Action plan to implement the recommendations specifying the role of different stakeholders. Side events funding arrangements The side event conveners/ organisers will pay for all costs related to the holding of the side event. The cost of holding side events include: Venue hire, which varies with the number of participants. Registration fees for the expected number of participants in the side event, and Video conferencing facilities (for blended events). Please submit the concept note by email to Emmanuel Okalany at e.okalany@ruforum.org with a copy to LOC, p.njenga@ruforum.org; and agm@ruforum.org by 15th October 2026.  All submissions will be responded to by the side event coordinator, specifying the availability of space and conditions for holding the events.  Kindly note that slots for side events are on first come first serve basis! [1] A side event is a meeting, training, dialogue, or any other event that is not part of the RUFORUM Governance and mainstream scientific Conference by either members or non-members of the RUFORUM Network.  Link: https://news.ruforum.org/call-for-expression-of-interest-to-hold-side-event-meetings-at-the-2026-ruforum-agm/?utm_source=RUFORUM+Mailing+List&utm_campaign=437ccb654e-RUFORUM+Weekly+-+Vol.3+No.25_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1fcfbb8a0b-437ccb654e-346981101&ct=t()&goal=0_1fcfbb8a0b-437ccb654e-346981101&mc_cid=437ccb654e&mc_eid=2397799980  Read more

Deadline: Jul 07, 2026 Donor: African Center for Economic Transformation Grant Type: Events Grant Size: Not Available Countries/Regions: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo (Brazzaville), Congo DR, Cote DIvoire (Ivory Coast), Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mayotte, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Reunion, Rwanda, Saint Helena, Sao Tome And Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Eswatini, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Western Sahara, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Sudan Area: Education, Environment, Health care, Individuals, Innovation, Leadership, Sustainable Development, Youth & Adolescents Applications are now open for the young Africans to engage in simulated policymaking processes that strengthen governance thinking and practical problem-solving skills. For more information, visit https://acetforafrica.org/youth-policy-lab/ Premium Link: https://grants.fundsforngospremium.com/opportunity/op/Call-for-Applications-ACET-Youth-Policy-Lab-2026 Read more

Deadline: Oct 31, 2026 Donor: MDPI Sustainability Foundation Grant Type: Awards, Prizes and Challenges Grant Size: $100,000 to $500,000 Countries/Regions: All Countries Area: Individuals, Researchers, Innovation, Research, Science The Tu Youyou Award recognizes outstanding scientists whose research and innovations have made significant contributions to the fields of natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry. For more information, visit https://tuyouyouprize.org/ Premium Link: https://grants.fundsforngospremium.com/opportunity/op/call-for-nominations-tu-youyou-award Read more

Deadline: Jul 10, 2026 Donor: Longview Philanthropy Grant Type: Fellowship Grant Size: Not Available Countries/Regions: All Countries Area: Career Development, Individuals, Researchers, Artificial Intelligence, Research, Technology Submissions are open for the Digital Minds Career Development Fellowships to support individuals pursuing or transitioning into careers focused on AI consciousness, sentience, moral status, welfare, and related research and policy work. For more information, visit https://futureimpact.group/longview-digital-minds-career-development-fellowships Premium Link: https://grants.fundsforngospremium.com/opportunity/op/apply-now-digital-minds-career-development-fellowships Read more

Deadline: Jun 25, 2026 Donor: Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation Grant Type: Grant Grant Size: $10,000 to $100,000 Countries/Regions: South Africa Area: Agriculture Food & Nutrition, Community Development, Employment & Labor, Climate Change, Energy, Environment, Recycling, Innovation, Technology, Water, Water Management, Women & Gender, Youth & Adolescents The United Nations Development Programme is seeking applications to support community-led projects focused on innovative water, waste, and energy solutions. For more information, visit https://www.undp.org/south-africa/blog/gef-small-grants-programme-opens-call-video-proposals-innovative-water-waste-and-energy-projects Premium Link: https://grants.fundsforngospremium.com/opportunity/op/Call-for-Video-Proposals-on-Innovative-Water-Waste-and-Energy-Projects-South-Africa Read more

Deadline: Oct 01, 2026 Donor: Harvard Radcliffe Institute Grant Type: Fellowship Grant Size: $10,000 to $100,000 Countries/Regions: All Countries Area: Arts & Culture, Tertiary & Higher Education, , , Artists, Individuals, Peace & Conflict Resolution, Science, Women & Gender The Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship Program offers scientists, writers, scholars, public intellectuals and artists a rare chance to pursue ambitious projects for a full academic year in a vibrant interdisciplinary setting amid the resources of Harvard University. For more information, visit https://www.radcliffe.harvard.edu/radcliffe-fellowship/application-information Premium Link: https://grants.fundsforngospremium.com/opportunity/op/apply-now-harvard-radcliffe-institute-fellowship-program Read more

Deadline: Jun 30, 2026 Donor: EXCLAMATION Foundation Grant Type: Fellowship Grant Size: Less than $1000 Countries/Regions: All Countries Area: Individuals, PhD Holder, Research The Research Fellowship Program is a six-month research fellowship offered for non-Japanese researchers to conduct research at a host institution in Japan. For more information, visit https://www.mif-japan.org/en/fellowship/announcement/ Premium Link: https://grants.fundsforngospremium.com/opportunity/op/rfas-matsumae-international-foundation-research-fellowship-program Read more

The History in Africa editorial team is seeking submissions for the upcoming volume. Articles selected for publication will be included in the 2027 volume of History in Africa. The Archive in an age of Epistemic Anxiety:Building on our previous theme of the methods of diaspora and transoceanic mobility, the African Studies Association journal History in Africa invites scholars to rethink and reimagine the foundational methods and conceptualizations of archives and archival work in both continental and diasporic contexts. Read the full call and submission guidelines online.  As always, submissions that fall outside the scope of this call are welcome by the deadline and throughout the year. We welcome single authored and collaborative scholarship from senior scholars and emerging scholars alike.Review the journal style guide and submit by September 30, 2026. Read more

V. International Symposium on Clothing Culture in Social Sciences btw. 21.–23.10.2026 at the Marmara University, Istanbul (Hybrid) Planned as a continuation of the SOB?TÜRK Symposium, the SOB?TÜRK 2026 themed around Clothing Culture aims to examine the phenomenon of clothing from a multidisciplinary social sciences perspective. Among the primary objectives of the symposium are to investigate the transformations of clothing culture throughout cultural geography from past to present and to discuss the interaction between traditional clothing patterns and modern/global fashion understandings. Within this context, our symposium aims to reveal the aesthetic values and symbolic meanings of clothing culture while also discussing how this cultural heritage can be preserved and adapted to contemporary life. With the contributions of scholars from various disciplines within the social sciences, clothing culture will be addressed from historical, sociological, anthropological, economic, geographical, artistic, and literary perspectives, thereby providing an interdisciplinary platform for understanding broader social transformations. Abstracts should be submitted in accordance with the abstract submission form until 30 July 2026 to: sobiturk@marmara.edu.tr. Read more

Call for contributions: Workshop: The Theft of Art? Art Theories in Light of Global Art History  (University of Strasbourg, 8 January 2027) Building on Jack Goody’s (2007) highly influential thesis of The Theft of History, this workshop aims to address an “institution” that this critique of the Eurocentric historiographical model imposed on “the rest of the world” left largely unaddressed: the institution of art. By asking why art has escaped this ambitious and coherent theory in terms of its self-reflexivity and decentring, the workshop intends to put forward the hypothesis of a theft of art in the sense of a process of conceptual capture through which the authoritative, hegemonic, European theorising and historicising doxa has normalised its own, situated, artistic experience while obscuring its minority, or “provincial”, status, thus “stealing” the plurality of artistic concepts, terminologies, languages, and narratives produced by other cultures. Despite its heuristic value, Goody’s theft thesis, along with his work on the image—particularly his theory of the cognitive contradiction caused by representation (Goody, 1997; Chevalier & Mayor, 2009)—paradoxically appears to be a case in point of the cognitive contradictions embedded in discourses on art that purport to be self-reflexive and decentred, yet which perpetuate Eurocentric, asymmetrical and hierarchical frames of reference and teleological narratives. This workshop proposes to scrutinise this paradox.  Read more