The University of Kigali has officially welcomed delegates from across Africa as the 2026 International Conference of the African Association of Deans of Students Affairs in Tertiary Institutions (AADSATI) gets underway in Kigali from 24–28 August 2026.
Hosted by the University of Kigali, the five-day continental gathering brings together student affairs leaders and higher education representatives from Rwanda, Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Uganda, and other African countries to exchange experiences, strengthen professional networks, and explore innovative approaches to student affairs leadership.
The conference is being held under the theme:
“Reimagining Student Affairs Leadership in the Digital Era: Ethics, Governance, and Inclusion in African Tertiary Institutions.”
Day One: Building Connections and Strengthening Institutional Engagement.
The opening day focused on registration, networking, and institutional engagement, providing delegates with an opportunity to connect with fellow professionals and familiarize themselves with the conference venue ahead of the substantive sessions.
The University of Kigali organizing team warmly received delegates as they arrived in Kigali, setting the stage for a week of dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration focused on the evolving role of student affairs in African higher education.
A key highlight of the first day was a courtesy visit by AADSATI leaders to the University of Kigali Management, reinforcing the importance of institutional collaboration in advancing student affairs across the continent.
The delegation met with the University of Kigali Vice-Chancellor, Prof. George Kimathi; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation & Enterprise, Prof. Ogechi Adeola; and Dean of Students and Host Dean, MUKASONGA Virginie.
During the meeting, the AADSATI leadership conveyed greetings from their respective university leadership and expressed their appreciation to the University of Kigali for the warm reception and preparations for the conference.
The delegation also commended the University for its commitment to hosting a gathering that brings together professionals working to shape the student experience across African tertiary institutions.
Advancing Student Affairs Leadership in Africa
The conference comes at a time when universities across Africa are increasingly adapting to changes in technology, governance, student expectations, and the broader higher education landscape.
Through keynote sessions, discussions, knowledge sharing, and professional networking, the AADSATI conference provides an important platform for participants to reflect on how student affairs can evolve to better support student welfare, inclusion, leadership development, digital transformation, and student success.
For the University of Kigali, hosting the conference further demonstrates its commitment to regional and continental collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the advancement of higher education in Africa.
As the conference continues, delegates will engage in substantive discussions around the opportunities and challenges facing student affairs leadership in the digital era, with a particular focus on ethics, governance, inclusion, and innovative approaches to supporting students.
The University of Kigali is proud to host the 2026 AADSATI International Conference and looks forward to welcoming delegates for a week of meaningful conversations, professional connections, and collaborative solutions for the future of African higher education.
