2nd Annual International SARUA Conference 2026
From Innovation to Transformation:
Scaling and Rethinking Higher Education Towards Social Justice and Sustainable Development
Hosted by the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources
The SARUA Conference 2026 brings together higher education leaders, researchers and partners from across the region to explore how to move beyond isolated innovation towards systemic, scalable transformation.
About the conference
The 2026 SARUA Conference takes place at a critical juncture for higher education in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). As institutions respond to growing demands for relevance, equity and impact, the need to move beyond fragmented innovation towards coordinated, system-level transformation has become increasingly urgent.
Convened by SARUA, the conference will bring together university leadership, academics, policymakers and partners to engage with the role of higher education in advancing social justice, sustainability and regional development.
Conference theme and sub-themes
From Innovation to Transformation: Scaling and Rethinking Higher Education Towards Social Justice and Sustainable Development
The 2026 theme focuses on embedding transformation across curriculum, research, institutional strategy and digital systems. It explores how higher education can strengthen its contribution to equitable access, skills development, technological advancement and sustainable development.
Central to this is the need for stronger alignment across institutions, sectors and borders, enabling more coordinated and sustained transformation.
Abstract submissions are invited under the following thematic tracks:
- Transforming Curriculum for Access, Equity, and Development
- Advanced Technology, Digital Transformation and Investment in Higher Education
- Research and Knowledge Production for Holistic Agrifood Systems, Food Security and Sustainability
- Repositioning Higher Education for Regional Impact and Integration
- Institutional Change, Leadership and Internationalisation
- Governance and Quality Assurance in Higher Education
Call for abstracts
You are invited to submit abstracts aligned with the conference theme and tracks.
Submissions may present:
- New research findings
- Policy insights
- Innovative practices
- Case studies and institutional experiences
Abstract requirements (summary):
- 250–300 words
- Structured (context, purpose, methodology, findings, implications)
- 3–5 keywords
- Submitted in English (Word format)
Accepted contributions will be double-blind reviewed and included in the conference proceedings. Selected submissions may be presented as papers, panels or posters.
Key dates:
Abstract submission opens: 25 March
Abstract submission deadline: 30 June
Who should attend
This conference is designed for:
- University leaders and senior management
- Academics and researchers
- Policymakers and government representatives
- Higher education practitioners
- Industry and development partners
Registration options and fees
The conference offers a range of participation options, including an in-person pre-conference workshop, two online pre-conference workshops, the hybrid conference programme, and in-person social events. The fees for each option are outlined below.
Pre-conference workshops
| Workshop | Member | Non-member | Format | Time and date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research supervision made easy | USD50 | USD70 | Online | 09:00–12:00 23 November 2026 |
| The ten steps towards successfully completing your postgraduate studies | USD50 | USD70 | Online | 13:00–16:00 23 November 2026 |
| Leading higher education: Navigating turmoil, strengthening Africa and advancing social justice | USD75 | USD100 | In person | 09:00–16:00 24 November 2026 |
Conference 25–27 November 2026
| Member | Non-member | |
|---|---|---|
| Conference | USD450 | USD500 |
| Early-bird (1 April to 30 April) | USD400 | USD400 |
| Host – BUAN | USD300 | |
| Student | USD200 | |
| Online | USD150 | |
Conference package
| Early bird | Member | Non-member | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conference package – conference, accommodation, cocktails and dinner | USD775 | USD815 | USD865 |
Social events
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Meet and greet cocktails | USD60 |
| Banquet dinner | USD85 |
Conference package
This year we will be offering a conference package for delegates seeking a convenient, all-inclusive option. The package includes:
- Conference registration
- Meet-and-greet cocktails
- Banquet dinner
- Three nights’ accommodation at Royal Aria self-catering apartments (arrive 24 November, depart 27 November)
- Airport transfers
Staying at the same venue where the conference events take place offers added convenience and makes it easy to connect with fellow delegates throughout the programme. Delegates who book the package also benefit from a discounted bundle rate on the conference registration and social events.
*Delegates wishing to extend their stay are kindly asked to make their own accommodation arrangements for any additional nights.
**Any transport required beyond the included airport transfers will be for delegates’ own account.
Programme overview
The conference will include keynote addresses, paper presentations and interactive sessions and networking opportunities.
A detailed programme will be released closer to the event.
Location: Gaborone, Botswana
The conference will take place in Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana. As a key administrative and economic hub in the region, Gaborone provides a well-connected and accessible setting for regional and international engagement.
Accommodation
SARUA has negotiated preferred rates with a range of hotels. All hotels are within 15–20 minutes’ drive of the conference venue and offer bed and breakfast.
- Each hotel offers a courtesy airport shuttle.
- SARUA has arranged for shuttles to transport delegates to and from the conference venue from these hotels only.
Avani Hotel & Casino
Just 20 minutes from the airport, this well-established hotel offers spacious rooms, extensive facilities and a convenient central location.
Price: BWP1,420 | View hotel
Travelodge
A comfortable and reliable option with modern rooms and a relaxed atmosphere, just 10 minutes’ drive from the airport.
Price: BWP999 | View hotel | Book using booking code BUANPN24896
38 on Boulders Hotel
Offering a more intimate, boutique-style experience, this hotel combines contemporary design with a quieter setting, about a 10 minute drive from the airport.
Price: BWP1,010 | View hotel
Royal Aria
Offering self-catering apartments, this is a comfortable and flexible option for delegates who prefer a little more space during their stay. Just 10 minutes’ drive from the airport. Breakfast will be provided for SARUA delegates.
Price: BWP1,100 | View hotel
*Any transport required beyond the included airport transfers and conference venue/hotel shuttles will be for delegates’ own account.
Sponsor the conference
The SARUA Conference 2026 will bring together university leaders, policymakers, researchers and partners from across Africa and globally to engage on the future of higher education and its role in driving sustainable development.
Organisations are invited to participate as sponsors or exhibitors. This is an opportunity to connect with a high-level audience, strengthen your visibility in the sector and contribute to shaping higher education across the region.
Sponsors and conference partners
For enquiries, please contact:
