The African Network for Internationalization of Education (ANIE) community will convene on October 14, 2026, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the opening of the 16th ANIE Annual Conference. Convening at the Ramada by Wyndham Addis Ababa, the event brings together higher education scholars, policymakers, institutional leaders, and practitioners from across Africa and international partner institutions.
This year’s conference centers on the theme, “Building Resilient Knowledge Ecosystems in Africa: Deepening Partnerships, Policy Coherence, and Innovations.” Over three days of academic exchange and policy dialogue, participants will examine strategies for establishing self-determined African knowledge systems and strengthening multi-institutional collaboration across the continent.
Conference Programme Available for Download
The complete conference schedule is now available to delegates and partner institutions. The programme details all plenary addresses, parallel paper sessions, interactive workshops, and session chairs across the three-day agenda.
- Download the Official ANIE 2026 Conference Programme (PDF)
Overview of Conference Proceedings
Day 1: Wednesday, 14 October
The conference opens with official inaugural remarks followed by a keynote address delivered by Professor Faith Mkwananzi of the University of the Free State. Proceedings continue with a plenary panel dedicated to the overarching conference theme, leading into parallel academic presentations across three venues. Afternoon proceedings feature three specialized workshops focused on supporting early career researchers (NECREDI), advancing the Network for International Office Practitioners in Africa (NIOPA), and examining ethical frameworks in international research partnerships.
Day 2: Thursday, 15 October
The second day opens with a keynote address by Dr. John Mugo, Executive Director of Mizizi Elimu Afrika. Session topics throughout the morning explore the implementation of Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) in African higher education contexts, alongside institutional case studies highlighting homegrown internationalization models from Ethiopian universities. The afternoon incorporates academic site visits, concluding with an evening dedicated to regional cultural exchange.
Day 3: Friday, 16 October
The final day features dedicated project presentations, including deliberations on the DigiGrad Project and discussions surrounding the African Charter for Equitable Research Partnerships. Key panel sessions include the “Choosing Africa” initiative and an International Association of Universities (IAU) panel addressing strategic advisory services for internationalization. The conference concludes with executive reflections on leadership, institutional sustainability, and future directions for the network.
Information for In-Person Delegates
The conference proceedings will take place at the Ramada by Wyndham Addis Ababa, located on Africa Avenue, Bole, approximately two kilometers from Bole International Airport. Delegates arriving on site are advised to present their registration confirmation and official conference clearance documentation at the registration desk upon arrival.
Digital Platform and Network Engagement
ANIE has launched a redesigned institutional platform to facilitate engagement before, during, and after the conference. Delegates and institutional partners may access session documentation, speaker biographies, and detailed thematic tracks online:
- Institutional Website: ANIE Official
- Professional Network: ANIE LinkedIn Channel
The discussions and outcomes generated during the 16th Annual Conference represent a collective resource for the entire higher education community. Members of the network are encouraged to share session insights and research outcomes with their respective faculties, research centers, and home institutions.