Academic and Industry Conferences 2025
Explore the key academic and industry conferences shaping Africa’s future in 2025 – from marketing and supply chain to higher education innovation and digital transformation
The 2025 event calendar is turning out to be a vibrant one for scholars, researchers, and industry professionals, with a series of conferences offering opportunities to share knowledge, explore innovation, and collaborate across disciplines.
From higher education innovation to supply chain management and digital marketing, these events highlight Africa’s growing influence in research, business, and technology.
Also included below is a full listing of Southern African Regional Universities Association (SARUA) events for the remainder of 2025.
For academics and professionals alike, these events provide an invaluable platform to connect with peers, stay ahead of emerging trends, and contribute to discussions shaping the continent’s future.
Southern African Institute for Management Scientists (SAIMS) 2025
Date: 14–17 September 2025, Sun City Convention Centre, South Africa
Theme: Covering accounting, finance, economics, entrepreneurship, general management, marketing, digital marketing, CSR, operations, ICT, HR, innovation and sustainability, AI, tourism management
Important dates:
• Final Submission of Corrected Papers: Submissions Closed
More information: https://saims2025.saims.org/
From 14–17 September, SAIMS 2025 brings together researchers across multiple disciplines, offering an interdisciplinary forum to present and discuss research in management sciences. This conference is ideal for those seeking to engage with cutting-edge insights in business, operations, and innovation.
7th African Conference on Operations and Supply Chain Management (ACOSCM)
Date: 16–18 September 2025, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Theme: Shaping Logistics for the Future: Enhancing Sustainable Logistics and Supply Chain Systems
Important dates:
• Acceptance of Papers: Submissions Closed
• Visa-required Participant Registration closes: Submissions Closed
• Non-visa-required Participant Registration closes: 1 September 2025
More information: https://www.acoscm.com/
ACOSCM focuses on sustainable and innovative supply chain practices, providing opportunities for researchers and practitioners to explore strategies for resilient and efficient logistics systems.
1st Industrial Marketing Management Africa Summit
Date: 10–12 September 2025, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Important dates:
• Submission Closed: 15 August 2025
• Acceptance Notification: One week after submission
More information: https://www.sun.ac.za/english/faculty/economy/business-management/imm-conference
This event, presented by Stellenbosch University’s Department of Business Management, offers marketing professionals and academics a dedicated platform to share insights and research, fostering dialogue around industrial marketing in Africa.
International Business Conference (IBC)
Date: 21–24 September 2025, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Theme: Agricultural management, AI, business ethics, entrepreneurship, finance, HR, leadership, operations, tourism, and more
More information: https://internationalbusinessconference.com/
IBC provides a comprehensive forum for exploring diverse business and management topics, from AI applications to operations management, fostering continental and international collaboration.
Procurement, Tenders and Supply Chain Management Conference
Date: 17–19 September 2025, Emperor’s Palace Convention Centre, Johannesburg
Theme: Sustainability and green procurement, digitalisation, supply chain resilience, global trade dynamics
More information: https://smartprocurementworld.com/
This Johannesburg-based conference focuses on emerging procurement trends, technological innovations, and resilient supply chain strategies.
DigiMarCon Africa 2025
Date: 9–10 October 2025, Cape Town, South Africa
Theme: Various, see below
More information: https://digimarconafrica.com/
DigiMarCon Africa 2025 is Africa’s premier digital marketing, media, and advertising event, offering in-person and online participation. Over two days, attendees will explore emerging strategies, technologies, and best practices, from AI and ChatGPT to social media, SEO, and video marketing, while networking with industry leaders and gaining practical insights to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Social Sciences International Research Conference, South Africa
Date: 5–7 November 2025, Durban, South Africa
Theme: Business management, finance, emerging technology, HR, marketing, service excellence, law, business resilience
Important dates:
• Abstract Submission: Submissions Closed
• Registration Closes: 29 August 2025
More information: https://commerce.nwu.ac.za/SSIRC
This conference provides researchers and academics with an opportunity to share knowledge across social sciences and management disciplines.
SAPHE Conference 2025
Date: 5–6 November 2025, IMM Graduate School, Johannesburg, South Africa
Theme: Leading Innovation in Higher Education: Impacting Locally and Globally
Important dates:
• Abstracts: Submissions Closed
• Full Paper: 15 August 2025
• WIP: 15 August 2025
More information: https://www.saphe.ac.za/conference
SAPHE 2025 offers a platform for exploring innovative strategies in higher education, highlighting research with local and global impact.
Southern African Universities Association (SARUA) Events in 2025
SARUA is a membership-based association of public and private higher education institutions in the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Serving as a pivotal hub for higher education in the region, the organisation is committed to driving change and fostering collaboration among the higher education community within the SADC, with its mission to be an agile, impactful and responsive regional network that champions policy advocacy, advances innovation and builds resilient academic ecosystems.
Here is a list of SARUA events for the remainder of 2025.
Roundtable on Women in Science
Date: September 2025 (exact date TBC), Online
Theme: Exploring women’s roles in advancing science, inclusive innovation, and sustainability across Africa
More information: https://sarua-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/Qb_j6OYzRc6EJVvFN6OLXA
This high-level roundtable features leading voices in science, research, and policy, addressing challenges women face in STEM, strategies for inclusion, and success stories driving climate action and green economies.
Accelerating Impact: Advancing the SADC Research Uptake Strategy
Date: September 2025 (exact date TBC), Online
Theme: Translating academic research into actionable impact for sustainability
More information: https://sarua-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/93FRj98qRzuMoAFRerd2Yw
A webinar to explore how the SADC Research Uptake Strategy can strengthen knowledge translation, enhance policy influence, and build collaborative sustainability networks.
Making a Mark: Mastering Impactful Research
Date: October 2025 (exact date TBC), Online
Theme: Maximising societal, environmental, and academic research impact
More information: https://sarua-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/wucthKBLRs2ryFWGiDQdvQ
An interactive workshop covering impactful research models, participatory approaches, and science communication strategies to enhance real-world influence.
Sustainability Roundtable: Green Skills, Bright Futures
Date: 23 October 2025, Online
Theme: Youth empowerment through climate-smart education and innovation
More information: https://sarua-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/1wLZWWjuRziUJ24H1fURGQ
A dialogue on how universities can drive green skills, climate innovation, and youth employment to support a just green transition.
Societally Impactful Research: Community of Practice
Date: 12 September & 7 November 2025, Online
Theme: Co-production of knowledge for societal change
More information: https://sarua.africa/
A webinar series on making research relevant, impactful, and responsive to societal needs, led by Prof. Birgit Schreiber.
VC Dialogue Series: Developments in the SADC HE Strategy Space
Date: 22 October 2025, Online
Theme: Regional higher education priorities post-June ministers meeting
More information: https://sarua-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/rkG5QqA9R1u4KwonnfwVmA
A closed forum for vice-chancellors to address strategic higher education issues in SADC.
Campus Africa Leadership Talks
Date: 27 Aug; 3, 17 Sep; 1, 16, 30 Oct 2025, Online
Theme: Research, leadership, and transformation in African higher education
More information: https://sarua-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/0fo2WKkwRwWeVLnhpJBYhQ
A webinar series exploring equity, decoloniality, indigenous knowledge, AI in pedagogy, and the SDGs.
HERizon Africa Leadership Programme
Date: Weekly, 30 Sep – 2 Dec 2025, Online
Theme: Leadership and management development in higher education
Application deadline: 15 September 2025
More information: https://forms.office.com/r/y991fFrfcp
An in-depth leadership programme for higher education leaders across SADC, offering certification upon completion.
State of Play of Micro-Credentials in Four SADC Countries
Date: 20 August 2025, Online
Theme: Micro-credentials’ status and challenges in Lesotho, Mauritius, Namibia, and South Africa
More information: https://sarua-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/5XdAa7edRKW1lskQOT0cew
A webinar exploring definitions, quality assurance issues, and implementation opportunities for micro-credentials.
Promoting a Quality Culture: Influencing Institutional Mindsets
Date: 6 or 12 November 2025, Online
Theme: Encouraging quality culture in higher education institutions
More information: https://sarua-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/w9ph0VaQTOC20KL8nKxV6w
A discussion on nurturing quality culture, overcoming challenges, and sharing institutional experiences.
Leading Digital Transformation
Date: 4 September – 8 October 2025, Online
Theme: Institutional leadership for digital transformation in higher education
More information: https://forms.office.com/r/Rt0MDn8xAT
A multi-session programme equipping leaders to drive digital transformation, assess readiness, and create actionable agendas.
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These events demonstrate the strong commitment of our academic and business communities to research, innovation, and professional growth.
For students, academics, and industry professionals alike, they offer valuable opportunities to connect, exchange ideas, and contribute to the development of both South Africa’s and Africa’s knowledge economy.
With a full calendar of events through the remainder of 2025 and into 2026, there has never been a better time to engage with your research and professional networks.
If you would like to highlight an upcoming event, conference, or initiative related to marketing, supply chain management, or other connected fields, including education-focused events, please let us know so we can include it in future updates, via email to Dr Helena van Wyk at helenavw@immgsm.ac.za.