The North-West University (NWU) Business School proudly announces that it will host the 2026 International Conference on Green and Sustainable Development (ICGSD) from 8 to 12 March 2026 at the Protea Hotel, Stellenbosch, Cape Town.
Themed “Reimagining innovation pathways for sustainability: research, practice and policy”, the 2026 ICGSD will bring together researchers, policymakers, innovators and thought leaders from across Africa and the world to engage in transformative dialogue on advancing sustainable development.
Building on the success of the inaugural 2025 conference held in Kigali, Rwanda, the 2026 conference will serve as a dynamic platform for exploring how indigenous knowledge systems, emerging technologies and Afrocentric innovation can shape sustainability research, policy and practice across the continent.
African collaboration for global impact
The 2026 ICGSD will be hosted by the NWU Business School in collaboration with the University of Kigali (Rwanda), the University of Fort Hare (South Africa), the Tshwane University of Technology (South Africa), and the KCA University (Kenya).
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the conference envisions a more just, resilient and regenerative world, driven by African innovation and global cooperation.
A call to reimagine Africa’s sustainability future
“The International Conference on Green and Sustainable Development (ICGSD) is more than an academic gathering – it is an African-led continental call to action,” says Professor Joseph Lekunze, chairperson of the 2026 ICGSD and deputy director of Research and Innovation at the NWU Business School.
“We are inviting the world to join us in reimagining innovation pathways for sustainability – anchored in indigenous knowledge, inclusive collaboration and transformative research. The 2026 ICGSD will be a landmark moment for Africa and the global community to co-create solutions for a resilient and regenerative future. As climate change continues to impact all nations, Africa – though the least responsible – remains among the most affected. This conference is both a platform and a promise to act for humanity’s shared future,” he adds.
Call for papers now open
Researchers and practitioners are invited to submit abstracts and papers aligned with the conference theme. Submission guidelines and details are available on the official conference website: https://icgsd.com.
Delegates can look forward to keynote addresses, expert panels, interactive workshops and exhibitions showcasing the latest innovations in green and sustainable development.
Media and conference enquiries
Professor Joseph Nembo Lekunze
Chairperson: 2026 International Conference on Green and Sustainable Development
Deputy director of Research and Innovation, NWU Business School
+27 (0)18 389 2937
Mbali Skosana
Marketing and Communications coordinator, 2026 ICGSD
+27 (0)18 389 2937
