Reimagining the Future of Higher Education in Africa
Overview
The University of Kigali is pleased to announce the International Conference on Digital Innovation and Higher Education (ICDIHE 2026), a premier international forum that brings together scholars, university leaders, policymakers, industry practitioners, innovators, development partners, and students to explore the transformative role of digital innovation in shaping the future of higher education.
As Africa experiences unprecedented technological change, higher education institutions must rethink teaching, research, governance, partnerships, and innovation ecosystems to remain relevant and globally competitive. ICDIHE 2026 provides a platform for exchanging cutting-edge research, sharing best practices, building strategic partnerships, and developing practical solutions that advance digitally enabled, inclusive, and sustainable higher education across Africa and beyond.
The conference will feature keynote addresses by internationally renowned scholars and industry leaders, research paper presentations, panel discussions, workshops, networking opportunities, and collaborative sessions designed to promote innovation and impact.
Conference Theme
Bridging the Digital Divide: Reimagining Future-Ready Higher Education Ecosystems in Africa
Digital transformation presents immense opportunities for expanding access, improving quality, enhancing research, and strengthening institutional resilience. Yet significant disparities remain in infrastructure, digital literacy, policy, and equitable access.
ICDIHE 2026 seeks to examine how universities, governments, industry, and development partners can work together to create inclusive, technology-driven higher education ecosystems that prepare graduates for the future of work while contributing to sustainable development across Africa.
Call for Abstracts
The Scientific Committee invites academics, researchers, postgraduate students, policymakers, practitioners, industry experts, and development partners to submit original research abstracts for presentation at ICDIHE 2026.
Submissions should present original research, innovative practices, conceptual papers, policy analyses, or case studies that contribute to advancing digital innovation and higher education.
Accepted papers will be presented during the conference and selected high-quality papers may be considered for publication in conference proceedings or partner journals, subject to the applicable peer-review processes.
Who Should Attend?
The conference welcomes participation from:
Academics and Researchers
University Leaders and Administrators
Policymakers and Government Officials
Industry Leaders and Technology Professionals
Development Partners and NGOs
EdTech Innovators
Quality Assurance Professionals
Postgraduate Students
Early Career Researchers
Registration and Abstract Submission
Participants are invited to register and submit their abstracts online using this link.
Conference Sub-Themes
Researchers are invited to submit original papers aligned with (but not limited to) the following thematic areas:
1. Digital Pedagogy and Teaching Innovation
Technology-enhanced learning
Blended and online education
Student-centred learning
Learning analytics
Assessment in digital environments
2. Artificial Intelligence, Emerging Technologies and Future Learning
Artificial Intelligence in education
Generative AI and higher education
Virtual and augmented reality
Robotics and intelligent learning systems
Ethical AI in education
3. Digital Transformation in Higher Education
Institutional digital strategies
Smart campuses
Digital governance
Digital infrastructure
Educational technology adoption
4. Research, Innovation and Knowledge Ecosystems
Research collaboration
Innovation management
Technology transfer
Entrepreneurship and commercialisation
University-industry partnerships
5. Inclusion, Equity and Digital Access
Closing the digital divide
Inclusive education
Gender and technology
Accessibility and universal design
Digital literacy
6. Sustainability and the Future of Higher Education
Higher education and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Green campuses
Climate action
Digital sustainability
Future-ready universities
Important Dates
Activity | Date |
|---|---|
Abstract Submission Deadline | 30 August 2026 |
Notification of Acceptance | 30 September 2026 |
Full Paper Submission Deadline | 20 October 2026 |
Conference Dates | 23–27 November 2026 |
Conference Fees
Activity | Date |
|---|---|
Abstract Submission Deadline | 30 August 2026 |
Notification of Acceptance | 30 September 2026 |
Full Paper Submission Deadline | 20 October 2026 |
Conference Dates | 23–27 November 2026 |
Registration fees cover conference participation, conference materials, refreshments, networking sessions, and the conference certificate.
Why Attend ICDIHE 2026?
By participating in ICDIHE 2026, delegates will have the opportunity to:
Present original research to an international audience.
Learn from globally recognised experts and thought leaders.
Network with academics, policymakers, industry leaders, and development partners.
Explore emerging trends in digital innovation and higher education.
Build research collaborations and institutional partnerships.
Contribute to shaping the future of higher education in Africa.
Host Institution
University of Kigali
The University of Kigali is one of Rwanda’s leading private universities, committed to excellence in teaching, research, innovation, and community engagement. Through ICDIHE 2026, the University continues its mission of promoting knowledge creation, digital transformation, and sustainable development across Africa.
