We are pleased to announce the 16th Annual Conference of the African Network for Internationalization of Education (ANIE) to be held from 14th to 16th October 2026 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Background & Context
The 16th Annual Conference of the African Network for Internationalization of Education (ANIE) will be held from 14th to 16th October 2026 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It will bring together scholars, policymakers, practitioners, students and partners to envision the implications and future of the new developments in internationalization on Africa’s higher education. The conference comes at a time of new global developments and policy shifts amidst several transformations in Africas higher education. It builds on the outcomes of the ANIE Conference in Zanzibar (2023), which centered on mutuality and equity in partnerships, to the ANIE 2024 Conference in Accra, Ghana , where the role of digitalization and innovations became crucial for the future of international education in Africa and 2025 ANIE Conference in Kampala Uganda which called for sustaining impact and driving change toward new futures.
In recent years, there are new global developments shaping higher education internationalisation in unprecedented ways and having several impacts on the future development of internationalisation in Africa. Nations and institutions are thus redefining their internationalization priorities for the future within these uncertain times. The African Unions CESA 2026-2035 recognises the centrality of higher education, research, innovations and international partnerships in the pursuit of these key priorities. In Africa the quest for social responsiveness, equitable partnerships, decoloniality and epistemic justice are gaining traction and centrality. There is the call to build resilient knowledge ecosystems through mutual partnerships and collaborations. Against this backdrop, the 16th ANIE Conference serves as an ideal platform to consolidate Africa’s leadership in framing internationalization as a catalyst for continental transformation
Sub-Themes
- National and Regional Policy Frameworks for Internationalization in Africa
- Intra-African Internationalization and Regional Cooperation
- Homegrown innovations for Internationalization
- Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and Knowledge Justice and Sovereignty
- Sustainability and Digital Futures for Higher Education Collaboration
- Building Ethical and Reciprocal Partnerships
Target Audience
- University administrators and academic leaders.
- Researchers and faculty involved in international partnerships and collaborations.
- Policymakers and government representatives focusing on internationalization of higher education.
- Funding agencies and philanthropic organizations.
- Students and early-career scholars interested in global academic mobility.
- NGOs and civil society organizations engaged in education development.
Call for Submissions
We welcome:
- Academic Papers reporting on research findings, theoretical developments, and case studies from practice.
- Workshops and Interactive Sessions proposing hands-on learning, skill-building, or policy development exercises.
- Panel Proposals featuring experts from diverse institutions addressing specific themes on internationalization.
- Poster Presentations showcasing research projects or best practices in international partnerships and collaborations
Submissions should align with one or more of the conference sub-themes and demonstrate clear relevance to African contexts. Submissions should be submitted via the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ANIE2026
Only abstracts submitted through the online link will be considered.
Important Conference Dates
Abstract Submission Deadline: 20th May 2026
Notification of Acceptance: 10th June 2026
Conference Registration Opens: 1st April 2026
Registration closes 30th August 2026
Conference Dates: 14th -16th October, 2026
Conference Fees
| Category |
Early bird Before 30 July |
After 30 July Standard rate |
|---|---|---|
| ANIE member | $200 | $250 |
| Non-ANIE member (African countries) | $250 | $300 |
| Non-ANIE member (rest of the world) | $300 | $350 |
NOTE: Please note that conference fees will cover the costs of tea/coffee, lunches and conference materials. Travel, accommodation and other logistical arrangements are at the cost of the delegates.
Conference Outcomes
- Proceedings or conference report summarizing key insights, policy recommendations, and actionable steps.
- Networking opportunities to spark new collaborations across Africa and beyond.
- A continued conversation on driving change through international partnerships and collaborations, with follow-up workshops and initiatives.
Contact Information
For further details, abstract submissions, or inquiries, please contact:
Conference Secretariat – confererence@anienetwork.org; jacobowiti@anienetwork.org; blairj@anienetwork.org
Register for the Conference
Register to attend the conference here: https://anienetwork.org/conference-registration/