Africa-US Universities Network Conference 2025

Africa-US Universities Network Conference 2025

Date: July 1–3, 2025
Location: University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (Hybrid: In-Person & Virtual)

Overview

The Africa-US Universities Network 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

Registration

Registration Fees:

• $75 – Virtual Attendance
• $150 – In-Person Attendance (Johannesburg)

Register here: https://forms.gle/tyShtgSFADGd2jXP9

Spaces are limited—early registration is encouraged.

Payment is done through EFT:

Account Name: UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND JOHANNE SBURG

Account Type: PUBLIC SECTOR MANAGED ACCOUNT

Account Number: 62077141580

Branch Name: BRAAMFONTEIN

Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ

Reference: AUSUNC + Name

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/