Africa-US Universities Conference 2025

Advancing Academic Collaboration Between Africa and the United States

Date: July 2–3, 2025
Location: University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (Hybrid: In-Person & Virtual)

Overview

The Africa-US Universities Conference seeks to enhance academic collaboration, cultural exchange, and institutional partnerships between African and U.S. universities. Hosted by the African Centre for the Study of the United States (ACSUS) at the University of the Witwatersrand, this conference will bring together scholars, administrators, policymakers, and students to explore innovative models of engagement in higher education.

The conference builds on the Africa-US Universities Network, an initiative that emerged from discussions at the 2022 US-Africa Leaders’ Summit in Washington, D.C.. It is supported by leading academic institutions, including:

• African Centre for the Study of the United States (ACSUS), University of the Witwatersrand
• Howard University, Center for African Studies
• George Washington University, Institute for African Studies
• Annenberg Center on Communication Leadership and Policy, University of Southern California
• Public Diplomacy Council of America

Conference Themes

The conference will address key issues in higher education collaboration through the following thematic areas:

• Strengthening Africa-Diaspora Relations
• Innovations in Joint Academic Programs and Student Exchanges
• Collaborative Approaches to Global Challenges
• Decolonizing Higher Education and Promoting Equity
• Cultural Diplomacy and the Role of the Arts
• University-Industry-Government Collaboration
• Entrepreneurship and Economic Development
• The Future of Digital Learning

Conference Format

The conference will be conducted in a hybrid format, with in-person sessions at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, and virtual participation available via a dedicated online platform.

Key Conference Activities

• Keynote Addresses from distinguished scholars and policymakers
• Panel Discussions on collaborative education models
• Breakout Sessions for thematic discussions
• Research Presentations highlighting ongoing initiatives and best practices
• Networking Sessions to facilitate institutional partnerships

Call for Papers

The conference welcomes academic papers, case studies, and research presentations that align with the thematic areas outlined above. Scholars, researchers, and practitioners are encouraged to submit abstracts for consideration.

Submission Guidelines:

• Abstracts should be no more than 300 words and must clearly indicate the research focus, methodology, and key findings.
• Include the author’s name, institutional affiliation, and contact details.
• Submissions should be sent to acsus.research@wits.ac.za by May 1, 2025.
• Accepted authors will be notified by May 15, 2025 and will be required to submit full papers by June 15, 2025.

Selected papers may be considered for publication in a special issue or conference proceedings.

Sponsorship Opportunities

The Africa-US Universities Conference offers sponsorship opportunities for institutions, organizations, and businesses seeking to support academic collaboration between Africa and the United States. Sponsorship benefits include:

• Recognition in conference materials and promotional campaigns
• Speaking opportunities for industry partners and stakeholders
• Exhibition space for organizations to showcase initiatives
• Opportunities to support student participation and travel grants

For sponsorship inquiries, please contact acsus.research@wits.ac.za.

For additional information, please contact:
African Centre for the Study of the United States (ACSUS)
University of the Witwatersrand
📧 Email: acsus.research@wits.ac.za
🌐 Website: https://www.africa-usforum.africa/