CONFERENCE 2026

4TH Multi-Inter-Transdisciplinary Conference

on Africa Transformation Perspectives

Hosted by Walter Sisulu University

Conference Invitation, Call for Abstracts and Papers

Walter Sisulu University cordially invites you to participate in the upcoming 4th MIT Conference, a premier international gathering that convenes scholars, researchers, practitioners, thought leaders, businesses, and industry professionals in Africa and beyond. The Conference advances innovation, development, and transformation, as embedded in the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union's Agenda 2063.

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25-27 March 2026

Mark your calendar for three days of transformative discussions and networking opportunities.

East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Join us at a beautiful venue in the heart of East London for an unforgettable conference experience.

Innovation Focus

Exploring cutting-edge innovations driving Africa's transformation across multiple disciplines.

THEME
MIT-Collaborations: Reimagining Africa through Sustainable Technologies, Innovation and Development
Sub-themes

Conference Sub-themes

Explore diverse perspectives across multiple disciplines

Economic Transformation and Entrepreneurship
Sustainable Environment for future generations
Reimagining Technology and Innovation in Education, Research and Community Engagement
Law, Leadership and Governance
Cultural Heritage and African Identity
Sustainable Agrotechnology, Nutrition and Health
Why Attend

Why Attend MITC 2026?

Discover what makes this conference special

Innovation Focus

Explore cutting-edge innovations driving Africa's transformation across multiple disciplines and sectors.

Multidisciplinary Approach

Connect with researchers, practitioners, and scholars from diverse fields working towards Africa's sustainable development.

Academic Excellence

Present your research and get published in the International Journal of African Reflections or conference proceedings.

Networking Opportunities

Build valuable connections with like-minded professionals and potential collaborators from across Africa and the diaspora.

Sustainable Development

Contribute to discussions on achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals and African Union Agenda 2063.

Global Impact

Be part of shaping Africa's future through transformative research and innovative solutions to continental challenges.

Conference Tracks

Sub-themes and Nested Themes

MITC 2026 offers various tracks for abstracts, papers and poster presentations

Sub-theme Nested Theme
Economic Transformation and Entrepreneurship
  • Economic growth trajectories and development
  • Industrialisation
  • E-commerce and Entrepreneurial strategies
  • Digital transformation and entrepreneurship
  • Infrastructure development and Small Business industrial growth
  • Regional integration and transformative trade links
  • Others
Sustainable Environment for future generations
  • Multidimensional approach to climate change
  • Adaptation strategies for sustainable environments
  • Sustainable resource management and renewable energy
  • Africa's biodiversity and conservation practices
  • Built environment and GreenTech Innovations
  • Others
Reimagining Technology and Innovation in Education, Research and Community Engagement
  • Education for sustainable capacity building and skills development
  • Technology-enhanced transformation in education
  • Bridging gaps through translanguaging in higher education
  • Technology for access, equity and quality in education
  • Innovative Pedagogies in Education and Research
  • Transforming community engagement and partnerships through new technologies and innovation
  • AI integration in Education, Research & Community Engagement
  • Others
Law, Leadership and Governance
  • Stability and social cohesion in Africa
  • Corruption and Africa's Development
  • Peacebuilding, Social justice and Human rights
  • Political accountability and transparency
  • Integrated technology in governance and legal development
  • Others
Cultural Heritage and African Identity
  • Preserving and promoting African identity
  • Digitally enhance cultural heritage
  • Cultural identity and diversity
  • Arts, literature and creative industries
  • Sustainable tourism management and heritage preservation
  • Sustainable indigenous systems and practices
  • Others
Sustainable Agrotechnology, Nutrition and Health
  • Sustainable food security in Africa
  • Resilient agricultural practices and sustainability processes
  • Nutrition and quality of life
  • Integrated health systems
  • Mental health and psychosocial well-being
  • Traditional medicine and integrated modern technology
  • Others
Submission Guidelines

Submissions: Abstract, Poster and Manuscripts

Proposal Requirements

Length: 200-250 words
Structure: Title, purpose, methodology, findings/results, conclusion, recommendations and contribution to knowledge
Format: WORD DOCUMENT (.docx, .doc)
Originality: Must be original and not previously published

Full Paper Requirements

Length: 4000-7000 words
Format: WORD DOCUMENT (.docx, .doc)
Guidelines: Adhere to conference formatting guidelines on mitc.wsu.ac.za
Submission: Online via conference website

How to Submit

Step 1: Register at mitc.wsu.ac.za/register.php
Step 2: Login at mitc.wsu.ac.za/login.php
Step 3: Submit your abstract/paper through the online portal
Contact: nsigodi@wsu.ac.za for assistance

Important Information

Important Dates and Fees

Important Dates

  • Proposal Submission Deadline:
    15 December 2025
  • Notification & Feedback:
    6 January 2026
  • Final Full Paper Submission:
    16 February 2026

Conference Fees

  • Early Bird Payment:
    R5,500 (by 13 February 2026)
  • Late Payment:
    R6,000 (by 3 March 2026)
  • Student Rate:
    R5,000 (by 3 March 2026)

Presentation Details

  • Language: English (UK)
  • Time Allocation: 20 minutes per presentation
  • (12 minutes presentation & 8 minutes interaction)
Publication

Conference Proceedings

  • All papers submitted will be peer-reviewed for quality and authenticity
  • Accepted abstracts will be published in the conference book of abstracts
  • Papers will be published in conference proceedings (e-ISSN/ISBN: 978-0-7961-5990)
  • Selected papers will be published in the WSU International Journal of African Reflections (IJAR)
  • Some papers will be included in book chapter volumes

Note: The final decision on submissions for publication is the prerogative of the relevant editorial board.

Travel Information

Travel, Visa Information and Accommodation

Travel Information

Local Flights to East London:
Direct flights available from Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Durban and Johannesburg.

International Travellers:
Fly to Johannesburg, Durban or Cape Town, then connect via local flight to East London.

East London Airport is conveniently located with fantastic shuttle services.

Road: Use Google Maps for route assistance.

Visa Information

International participants requiring a visa should contact South Africa's Department of Home Affairs via:

https://www.dha.gov.za/

Please apply well in advance to avoid delays.

Accommodation

Numerous hotels and B&Bs are available along the Beachfront and in surrounding suburbs.

Delegates will receive an accommodation list to facilitate personal bookings.

Early booking is strongly recommended to secure preferred accommodation and avoid last-minute disappointment.

Explore

Local Attractions

Discover what East London has to offer

East London Museum
Nahoon River Cruise
East London Aquarium
Gonubie Boardwalk
Mpongo Private Game Reserve
Nahoon Estuary Nature Reserve
Nahoon Reef
Beacon Bay Retail Park Shopping Centre
Vincent Park Shopping Centre
Hemingways Mall

Need Help?

For conference-specific information or general inquiries, we're here to help

Email

mitc@wsu.ac.za

Website

mitc.wsu.ac.za

We would be grateful if you could forward this call to your networks, peers and colleagues who might be interested in participating in the 2026 MITC.