ANIE 2026 — 16th Annual Conference · Addis Ababa
ANIE 2026 16th Annual Conference · Ramada Hotel, Addis Ababa
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African Network for Internationalization of Education

The 16th ANIE Annual Conference

Building Resilient Knowledge Ecosystems in Africa: Deepening Partnerships, Policy Coherence, and Innovations.

Dates
14–16 October 2026
Location
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Format
In-person only
Register to attend View the programme
Conference partners

The 16th ANIE Annual Conference is made possible with our partners.

OBREAL Global
obreal.org
ESSA
essa-africa.org
AASTU
aastu.edu.et
About ANIE

The African Network for Internationalization of Education (ANIE) is an independent, non-profit network advancing research, capacity-building and advocacy on the internationalisation of higher education, with a primary focus on Africa. ANIE serves members and their institutions across the continent, and its secretariat is hosted at Moi University in Eldoret, Kenya.

Since its founding, the annual conference has become the continent's leading gathering on international higher education — bringing together scholars, policymakers, practitioners and students to shape how African universities engage the world. The 2026 edition returns to East Africa, building on recent conferences in Zanzibar and Accra, at a moment when the African Union's CESA 2026–2035 framework is placing higher education, research and international partnership at the centre of the continent's development agenda.

Visit the ANIE network site →
16th
Annual edition since founding
3
Days of sessions, Oct 14–16
54
African nations in scope
2026
Hosted in Addis Ababa
Conference theme

Building Resilient Knowledge Ecosystems in Africa

Deepening partnerships, policy coherence, and innovations. As new global developments reshape internationalisation, African institutions are redefining priorities around equitable partnership, decoloniality and epistemic justice. This year's conference asks what a resilient, self-determined knowledge ecosystem for the continent should look like.

A

Equitable partnerships & mutuality

Rethinking north-south and south-south collaboration models so that African institutions set the terms of engagement, not just the agenda.

B

Policy coherence & the CESA 2026–2035 agenda

Aligning national and institutional internationalisation strategies with continental frameworks for research, innovation and mobility.

C

Decoloniality & epistemic justice

Confronting inherited structures in curriculum, research funding and knowledge production to centre African scholarship on its own terms.

D

Homegrown innovation & digitalisation

Scaling African-led innovations in teaching, research infrastructure and digital collaboration for a more resilient sector.

Keynote speakers

Meet our speakers

We are pleased to welcome Prof. Faith Mkwananzi and Dr John Mugo to deliver keynote addresses at the 16th ANIE Annual Conference, alongside a wider line-up of panelists, session chairs and presenters.

Prof. Faith Mkwananzi
Keynote speaker

Prof. Faith Mkwananzi

Associate Professor, Centre for Development Support · University of the Free State, South Africa

Prof. Mkwananzi is part of the Higher Education and Human Development (HEHD) Research Programme at the University of the Free State, recognised with the university's Exceptional Academic Achievement Award for Team Research in 2024. Her work sits at the crossroads of higher education and global development, examining how universities, researchers, practitioners and civil society can partner to address pressing development challenges.

She is a member of the Human Development and Capability Association (HDCA) and a founding member of the Research Alliance for Higher Education in Africa (RAHEdA), which strengthens research capacity and university partnerships across the continent. Using interdisciplinary and participatory approaches, her current research explores the internationalisation of higher education, South-South mobility and equitable participation in global knowledge production — advocating for more reciprocal, inclusive academic collaboration.

HEHD Research Programme, UFS HDCA member RAHEdA founding member

Recent collaborative books

  • Youth Voice and Participatory Arts in Development (2025)
  • Navigating Complex Research Terrains: The Experiences of Social Researchers in the Global South (2025)
  • Complexities, Contexts, and Capabilities in Educational Inclusion — forthcoming
Dr John Mugo
Keynote speaker

John Mugo, PhD

Executive Director, Mizizi Elimu Afrika · Nairobi, Kenya

John Mugo is the Executive Director of Mizizi Elimu Afrika, based in Nairobi, Kenya. His research and interventions focus on embedding socio-emotional learning in curriculum, assessment, and teacher training, as well as designing system-wide interventions for foundational learning. A university don who transitioned to policy research, Mugo's overall approach is rooted in strengthening the education system through research and evidence use.

Among his greatest contributions are the theory and practice of collective impact and distributive leadership. Over his career, Mugo has co-founded close to 10 collaborative interventions with more than 100 institutions across five African countries. Beyond working with and through government, his work over the last decade has amplified the agency of African leaders and organizations and promoted a Pan-African movement for improving learning outcomes and revitalizing Africa-led research.

Previously, Mugo served as Director at Twaweza East Africa and also chaired the Department of Special Needs Education at Kenyatta University in Kenya. An accomplished scholar with well-referenced publications, he holds a PhD in education from the University of Hannover, Germany.

Mizizi Elimu Afrika Former Director, Twaweza East Africa Kenyatta University
View full speaker list here →
Key dates

From call for papers to the closing session

The timeline below reflects the official conference schedule. Some milestones have already passed — registration remains open ahead of the October gathering.

20 May 2026
Call for submissions opens
Papers, panels, workshops and poster proposals invited from scholars, policymakers and practitioners.
Closed
15 June 2026
Abstract submission deadline
300–500 word abstracts due for academic papers, workshops, panels and poster presentations.
Closed
30 July 2026
Early-bird registration deadline
Discounted rates for ANIE members and non-members expired on this date.
Closed
Now – 10 October 2026
Standard registration
Registration remains open at the standard rate through the secretariat's official portal.
Open
14–16 October 2026
16th ANIE Annual Conference
Three days of plenaries, parallel sessions, workshops and network meetings in Addis Ababa.
Upcoming
Programme

Three days in Addis Ababa

The full session-by-session schedule, including confirmed speakers and room assignments.

Download

Get the full programme as a PDF

Sessions, speakers, chairs and venues for all three days

Download programme (PDF)
09:00 – 09:35
Opening session — Official opening & welcome remarks
Moderator for the day: Huba Boshoff — ANIE Board and Director of TheKnowledgeCollab Prof. Kefa Simwa — Executive Director, ANIE Dr. Asrat Atsedeweyn — President, AASTU, Ethiopia Prof. Goski Alabi — Chair, ANIE Board & Vice Chancellor/President, Accra Metropolitan University, Ghana
09:35 – 10:15
Keynote address
Prof. Faith Mkwananzi — University of the Free State, South Africa Session chair: Dr. James Otieno Jowi — ANIE
10:15 – 11:15
Panel discussion — Building Resilient Knowledge Ecosystems in Africa: Deepening Partnerships, Policy Coherence & Innovations
Panelists: Prof. Faith Mkwananzi — University of the Free State, South Africa Prof. Emnet Tadesse Woldigiorgis — University of Johannesburg, South Africa Dr. Biniam Atnafe Beneye — AASTU, Ethiopia Mr. Etom Efem — British Council, Nigeria Ms. Apiyo Okwiri — OBREAL Panel chair: Dr. James Jowi — ANIE
11:15 – 11:20
Youth insert and awareness
11:20 – 11:45
Tea break and networking
11:50 – 12:55
Parallel sessions · Venues 1–3
Venue 1
Session 1 · 11:50–12:20
Decolonising Education Research in Africa: A Systematic Review and Framework for Localisation
Speaker: Dr. Stephen Acquah — ESSA, Ghana Session chair: Prof. Chika Sehoole — University of Pretoria, South Africa
Session 4 · 12:25–12:55
Activating Research Chairs to Build Resilient Knowledge Ecosystems: Filling Africa's Partnership Gaps from Within
Speaker: Dr. Thembilile Mabila — University of Limpopo, South Africa Session chair: Prof. Jackline Nyerere — Kenyatta University, Kenya
Venue 2
Session 2 · 11:50–12:20
Language as Structure: Epistemology, Power, and Collaboration in Europe–Africa Higher Education
Speakers: Philina Wittke and Leolyn Jackson — Nelson Mandela University, South Africa Session chair: Dr. Beatrice Akala — University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
Session 5 · 12:25–12:55
Knowledge Production from the Periphery: Identity, Positionality, and Negotiation Strategies of Kenyan Researchers
Speaker: Anqi Zhang — International Christian University, Japan Session chair: Dr. Mary Sambu — Moi University, Kenya
Venue 3
Session 3 · 11:50–12:20
The Legal Governance of Higher Education Internationalization in Africa: Towards Equitable and Reciprocal Partnerships
Speaker: Dr. Manaye Zegeye Meshesha — Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, Ethiopia Session chair: Prof. Kefa Simwa — ANIE
Session 6 · 12:25–12:55
Building Resilient Knowledge Ecosystems in Africa through Intra-African Internationalisation and Strategic Regional Partnerships: Insights from the PROSPER Project
Speaker: Mr. Harrison Weda — University of Nairobi, Kenya Session chair: Martina Moss — Central University of Technology, South Africa
13:00 – 14:00
Lunch
14:15 – 17:30
Workshops · Venues 1–3
Venue 1
Workshop: Supporting Early Career Researchers (NECREDI Workshop)
Co-hosted by ANIE, HERI Africa and ESSA
Venue 2
Workshop: Network for International Office Practitioners in Africa (NIOPA)
Presenters: Prof. Samuel Boadi-Kusi — University of Cape Coast, Ghana, and Huba Boshoff — The KnowledgeCollab, South Africa
Venue 3
Workshop: Ethics in International Research Projects: Towards Reciprocal Partnerships and Knowledge Creation
Presenters: Prof. Susan Kurgat — Moi University, Kenya, and Prof. Mathabo Khau — Nelson Mandela University, South Africa
09:00 – 09:15
Opening of Day 2
Welcome and recap of Day 1 — Huba Boshoff, ANIE Board & TheKnowledgeCollab
09:15 – 10:00
Keynote 2 — Dr. John Mugo
Executive Director, Mizizi Elimu Afrika Chair of session: Prof. Kefa Simwa — ANIE Executive Director
10:00 – 11:00
Panel discussion — Advancing COIL in Africa: Building Evidence, Networks, and Impact through Global Collaboration
Panelists: Mr. Kibrome Haile — OBREAL Global Dr. Lavern Samuels — Durban University of Technology, South Africa Panel chair: Apiyo Okwiri — OBREAL
11:00 – 11:25
Health break
11:30 – 13:10
Parallel sessions · Venues 1–3
Venue 1
Session 7 · 11:30–12:00
Policy Dynamics and Internationalisation in African Higher Education: Lessons from Kenya
Speakers: Prof. Jonah Nyaga Kindiki — Chuka University, Kenya, and Ms. Edna Chepkirui Koe — Moi University, Kenya Session chair: Prof. Takalani Mashau — University of Venda, South Africa
Session 10 · 12:05–12:35
Analysing the Effectiveness of the SADC Protocol on Education and Training in Advancing Internationalisation of Higher Education in the Southern African Development Community Region
Speaker: Jabu Makhubela — University of Limpopo, South Africa Session chair: Mercy Gathoni Kimani — Strathmore University, Kenya
Session 13 · 12:40–13:10
Building Africa from Within: The Power of Intra-African Internationalisation in Promoting Epistemic Justice
Speakers: Prof. Mathabo Khau — Nelson Mandela University, South Africa, and Prof. Susan Kurgat — Moi University, Kenya Session chair: Lynette Naisoi — Strathmore University, Kenya
Venue 2
Session 8 · 11:30–12:00
Shared Modular Platforms for Knowledge Pooling: Conceptual Insights from the European P4ELECS Project
Speaker: Karine Hindrix — UCLL, Belgium Session chair: Leolyn Jackson — Nelson Mandela University, South Africa
Session 11 · 12:05–12:35
Navigating Power, Partnership, and Pedagogy: A Cross-Country Study of Doctoral Supervision Complexities
Speaker: Dr. Beatrice Akala — University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa Session chair: Prof. Kefa Simwa — ANIE
Session 14 · 12:40–13:10
Equity, Representation and Justice for Students Who Are Deaf in International Partnerships and Academic Collaborations in Higher Education in Africa
Speaker: Dr. Mary Sambu — Moi University, Kenya Session chair: Vusi Makamu — University of Limpopo, South Africa
Venue 3
Session 9 · 11:30–12:00
Internationalisation as Epistemic Contestation: Plural Knowledges in Higher Education in Africa
Speakers: Prof. Patience Nyamunda — University of Glasgow, UK, and Prof. Faith Mkwananzi — University of the Free State, South Africa Session chair: Zenzele P. Mdletshe — University of Zululand, South Africa
Session 12 · 12:05–12:35
Intra-Africa Research Collaborations: The Case of HERI Africa Initiative
Speaker: Prof. Jackline Nyerere — Kenyatta University, Kenya Session chair: Kibrome Haile — OBREAL Global
Session 15 · 12:40–13:10
Strengthening Internationalisation in African Higher Education Systems
Speaker: Prof. Takalani Mashau — University of Venda, South Africa Session chair: Prof. Samuel Boadi-Kusi — University of Cape Coast, Ghana
13:10 – 14:00
Lunch
14:00 – 15:00
Homegrown innovations for internationalisation — insights from Ethiopian universities
Panelists: Dr. Biniam Atnafe Beneye — AASTU, Ethiopia Dr. Anteneh Fikirie — Bule Hora University, Ethiopia Dr. Lemma Teshome — Adama Science and Technology University, Ethiopia
15:00 – 15:30
Refreshments
15:30 – 18:00
Site visit
Visit to Addis Ababa Science and Technology University (AASTU)
18:30
Cultural evening
Totot Traditional Restaurant
09:00 – 10:40
Parallel sessions · Venues 1–3
Venue 1
Session 16 · 09:00–09:30
Internationalising Community-Engaged Postgraduate Entrepreneurship for Rural Innovation and Third-Stream Income Generation in a South African University
Speaker: Abiola John Asaleye — University of Ilorin, Nigeria Session chair: Blair Joseph Otieno — ANIE
Session 19 · 09:35–10:05
Towards Developing a Framework for Recruitment Strategies at South African Public Universities for Southern African Students
Speaker: Seme Siyabonga — UNISA, South Africa Session chair: Prof. Orpha Ongiti
Session 22 · 10:10–10:40
Policy-Coherent AI Governance and Sustainable Digital Collaboration in African Higher Education
Speaker: Matome Mokoena — University of Venda, South Africa Session chair: Jacob Owiti — ANIE Secretariat, Kenya
Venue 2
Session 17 · 09:00–09:30
Reimagining Student Exchange Mobility for Employability and Equity in Africa
Speaker: Martina Moss — Central University of Technology, South Africa Session chair: Nonhle Madlose — Durban University of Technology, South Africa
Session 20 · 09:35–10:05
Exploring the Policy Fragmentation that Negatively Impacts Intra-African Student Mobility, Collaboration and Solidarity: Insights from Policy Implementation in the East African Community Member States
Speaker: Dr. Alfred Kiiza Session chair: Prof. Akim Osunde — Federal University of Technology, Nigeria
Session 23 · 10:10–10:40
Reflecting to Learn or Reflecting to Submit: Student Teachers' Perspectives on Reflective Practice in Their Teaching Journey in One South African University
Speaker: Thobile Hlobisile Accurate Sibiya — University of Fort Hare, South Africa Session chair: Dr. Deribashaw — Haramaya University, Ethiopia
Venue 3
Session 18 · 09:00–09:30
Experiences & Sustainability of the Digigrad Project
Dr. James Jowi (Chair), Prof. Ongiti, Prof. C.J. Odhiambo, Prof. Simwa
Session 21 · 09:35–10:05
The African Charter for Equitable Research Partnerships and the Implication for Collaboration
Speaker: Prof. Chika Sehoole — University of Pretoria, South Africa Session chair: Huba Boshoff — ANIE Board Member
Session 24 · 10:10–10:40
In Mainstreaming the Practices for the Internationalization of Higher Education, Can the Subaltern Speak? A Rejoinder to Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak
Speaker: Dr. Valile Dwayi — Central University of Technology, South Africa Session chair: Prof. C.J. Odhiambo — Moi University, Kenya
10:40 – 11:00
Tea break and networking
11:05 – 11:50
Parallel sessions · Venues 1–3
Venue 1
University Presence and Rural Community Transformation in Post-War Recovery in Northern Uganda
Speaker: Dr. Asaf Adebua Session chair: Abraham Ochieng Obungah
Venue 2
Research Transformation and the Internationalisation of Knowledge: Positioning Emerging Research Chairs within African Knowledge Ecosystems
Speaker: Dr. Lavern Samuels — Durban University of Technology, South Africa Session chair: Dr. Stephen Acquah — ESSA
Venue 3
Beyond Access: Embedding Equity and Inclusion in Intra-African Academic Mobility Programs
Speaker: Prof. Orpha Ongiti Session chair: Harrison Weda
12:00 – 12:45
Panel discussion (Venue 1: Plenary) — Choosing Africa: South African Universities and the Collective Pursuit of Africa-Centered Internationalization
Panelists: University of Limpopo (1 representative) Walter Sisulu University (1 representative) University of Zululand (1 representative) Panel chair: Durban University of Technology
12:45 – 13:30
IAU panel — The importance of advisory services to advance internationalization
Panelists: Prof. Wondwosen Tamrat — St. Mary's University, Ethiopia Prof. Sunungurai Dominica Chingarande — Women's University in Africa, Zimbabwe Dr. Lavern Samuels — Durban University of Technology, South Africa
13:30 – 14:15
Leadership reflections — Next steps and future scenarios
Speakers: Dr. Asrat Atsedeweyn Andargie — President, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, Ethiopia Prof. Chika Sehoole — University of Pretoria, South Africa Dr. Angie Magabane — Director: Internationalisation & Partnerships, UNISA & Treasurer, IEASA Prof. Peter L. Barasa — Vice Chancellor, Alupe University, Kenya Chair: Huba Boshoff — TheKnowledgeCollab
14:15 – 14:45
Closing session
Conference highlights — Dr. John Ranji, ANIE Vote of thanks — Prof. Kefa Simwa, Executive Director, ANIE
14:45 onwards
Lunch break and networking
Conference history

Building on a decade and a half of gatherings

2026
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Resilient knowledge ecosystems, policy coherence & innovation
2024
Accra, Ghana
Digitalisation and innovation in international education
2023
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Mutuality and equity in partnerships
2013
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Origins of the Internationalization at Home special interest group
Registration

Join us in Addis Ababa

Early-bird pricing has closed; standard registration is open through the official ANIE conference portal. Rates and payment instructions below are for reference — always confirm current figures with the secretariat before paying.

ANIE member

In-person, standard rate $250
  • Full 3-day conference access
  • Welcome reception
  • Conference materials
  • Discounted membership rate
Register as a member

Non-member

In-person, $ 300(African) $ 350 (Non-African)
  • Full 3-day conference access
  • Welcome reception
  • Conference materials
  • Option to join ANIE at registration
Register as a non-member

Bank transfer details (ANIE Secretariat)

Account name
African Network for Internationalization of Education
Bank
Direct bank transfer Name of Bank : Absa Bank Branch Name : Eldoret, Branch Bank Swift Code : BARCKENX Short Code : 03003 Bank Account Number : 2038348828 Bank Account Currency: United States Dollar {USD}
USD account
Swift code BARCKENX
Also accepted
M-Pesa (KSH) — Absa Paybill number: 303030 Bank Account Name :African Network for Internationalization Of Education.Bank Account Number : 030034027439 Bank Account Currency: Kenyan Shillings (KSH)

For the current, verified account numbers and till numbers, always refer to the official ANIE conference registration page.

Venue

Ramada by Wyndham Addis Ababa

All conference sessions take place at the Ramada Addis, in the Bole district — just 2 km from Bole International Airport.

Host hotel
Ramada by Wyndham Addis Ababa
Bole Sub City, Block #14, Woreda #03, House No. 268 · Africa Avenue, Addis Ababa

Located along Africa Avenue in Bole, the hotel offers full conference and meeting facilities, with its largest room seating up to 150 delegates theatre-style — plus on-site dining, a fitness centre and business centre for delegates staying on-site.

~2 km
From Bole Int'l Airport
~5 min
Typical drive time
150
Seats in largest hall (theatre)
24 hr
Front desk & room service
Complimentary Wi-Fi Airport transfers Restaurants & bars Business centre On-site parking
The Addis Ababa monument, featuring the African Union's continent emblem in a starred wheel above the city's name
✈️

Getting there

  • Most delegates arrive via Bole International Airport (ADD)
  • Ramada Addis offers airport transfers — arrange in advance with the hotel
  • Keep booking confirmation & conference letter handy on arrival
🏨

Nearby alternatives

  • Jupiter International – Bole — ~0.4 km, airport transfer & breakfast
  • Yober Hotel & KZ Hotel — ~0.1 km from Ramada
  • Diamond Hotel Addis & Best Western Plus — also in Bole
🛂

Visa & entry

  • Conference visa (CV): https://www.evisa.gov.et/, ~, single-entry 30-day
  • Passport valid 6+ months, plus invitation letter & photo
  • Kenyan passport holders: visa-free entry

Rates, transfer arrangements and visa fees change periodically — confirm current details with the hotel and the official Ethiopian e-Visa portal before travelling.