Academics, industry leaders and policymakers from around the world will come together this week to explore new approaches to economic development in Africa, with a focus on long-term sustainability, innovation, and collaboration.

University of the West of Scotland’s Centre for African Research on Enterprise and Economic Development (CAREED) will host its 9th Annual Conference on 26–27 June on its Paisley campus. The conference will gather a diverse, interdisciplinary network of voices under the theme: Building Strategic Partnerships for Sustainable African Economic Development.

Bringing together researchers, entrepreneurs and development agencies, the two-day event will look at how to achieve Africa’s development priorities through partnership-driven solutions. These discussions are rooted in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and will cover areas such as responsible enterprise, climate adaptation, digital transformation, and investment in human capital.

 

This conference is not just an academic exercise, it’s an opportunity to enact meaningful change. By creating stronger connections between academia, industry and policy, we can identify scalable, practical approaches to unlock Africa’s economic potential in ways that are inclusive, ethical, and sustainable.

Professor Adebisi Adewole, Director of CAREED

 

Founded in 2014, CAREED has become an influential hub for research on African enterprise, globalisation, and international development. Its annual conference continues to grow in impact and reach, positioning Scotland as a key site for international debate on African futures.

The event will include keynote addresses, panel discussions, and research presentations from UK-based and international institutions, alongside practitioners working directly in African development contexts.

For more information on CAREED, visit: https://www.uws.ac.uk/research/research-institutes-centres-groups/centre-for-african-research-on-enterprise-economic-development/