Submit an abstract

Submit an abstract

You are invited to submit contributions to the SARUA Conference taking place from 25–27 November 2026 in Gaborone, Botswana, hosted by the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN). This conference comes at a critical juncture where higher education in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) must move beyond isolated innovation towards systemic, scalable transformation that advances social justice, sustainability and regional development.

The 2026 Conference theme, From Innovation to Transformation: Scaling and Rethinking Higher Education Towards Social Justice and Sustainable Development, focuses on embedding transformation across curriculum, research, institutional strategy and digital systems. The conference will explore how higher education can strengthen its contribution to equitable access, skills development, technological advancement and sustainable development in the region.

Central to this is the need for more integrated and coordinated approaches across institutions, sectors and borders. Strengthening alignment between higher education, industry, policy and society will be key to enabling meaningful and sustained transformation across the SADC region.

Why the conference is critical

• Responding to the need for higher education to play a more direct role in addressing regional challenges, including inequality, unemployment, sustainability and food security.
• Advancing regional integration through stronger cooperation, shared frameworks and cross-border collaboration among higher education institutions.
• Supporting the shift from innovation to transformation by rethinking systems, structures and approaches to ensure relevance, access and quality.
• Strengthening leadership, governance and institutional capacity to manage complexity, change and resource constraints.
• Aligning higher education more closely with regional priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while promoting knowledge exchange and the sharing of effective practices.

Expected outcome of the conference

The SARUA Conference aims to generate practical insights and approaches to support the transformation of higher education in the SADC region:

• Identified approaches and examples of practice in curriculum transformation, digital innovation and institutional change.
• Insights to inform quality assurance, governance and the use of technology in higher education.
• Contributions towards aligning higher education with regional priorities and the SDGs.
• Strengthened networks and partnerships across institutions, sectors and countries.
• Inputs to inform policy and institutional strategy within the higher education sector.

The conference will also inform SARUA’s future initiatives and contribute to ongoing efforts to strengthen higher education systems in Southern Africa. Key insights and recommendations will be taken forward through SARUA’s structures, including its annual general meeting held after the conference.

Abstract format

You are invited to submit original abstracts that align with one or more of the conference themes. Submissions should present innovative research, policy analysis, case studies or practical experiences relevant to higher education transformation, regional development, technology innovation, governance or sustainable agrifood systems.

Abstracts should clearly outline the purpose of the study or initiative, the methodology or approach used, key findings or insights, and the significance or implications for policy, practice or further research. Submissions that demonstrate interdisciplinary perspectives, collaboration between academia and industry, and regional or global relevance are particularly encouraged.

Accepted abstracts may be invited for oral presentations, panel discussions or poster presentations at the conference.

Abstract submission requirements

1. Abstract length: 250–300 words
2. Title: Provide a clear and concise title that reflects the focus of the paper or presentation.
3. Author information
   • 3.1 Full name(s) of author(s)
   • 3.2 Institutional affiliation(s)
   • 3.3 Country
   • 3.4 Email address of the corresponding author
4. Delivery format: Paper/panel discussion/poster
5. Conference theme: Indicate the conference theme under which the abstract is being submitted
6. Structure of the abstract
   Abstracts should include the following elements where applicable:
   • 6.1 Background/context: Brief description of the problem or topic
   • 6.2 Purpose/objectives: The aim of the study or initiative
   • 6.3 Methodology/approach: Research methods, framework or practical approach used
   • 6.4 Key findings/insights: Main results, lessons or expected outcomes
   • 6.5 Implications/contribution: Relevance for policy, practice or future research
7. Keywords: Provide 3–5 keywords related to the topic of the abstract
8. Language: All abstracts must be submitted in English
9. Format: Submit abstracts in Microsoft Word format (.doc or .docx)
10. Use Calibri, 12-point font, single spacing, no graphics or images, limited references
11. Submit your abstract to: conference@sarua.africa

Review process

All abstracts will undergo a peer review process by the conference scientific committee. Submissions will be evaluated based on:

• Relevance to conference themes
• Originality and innovation
• Academic or practical contribution
• Clarity and quality of writing
• Scholarly contribution

Authors will be notified of the acceptance status following the review process.