International Conference on African Development
Building on the success of iCAD 2026 in Cambridge, GSS is proud to launch the call for the next edition, iCAD 2027. We are opening expressions of interest for host institutions and track chairs.
Africa-Centred.
Interdisciplinary. Global.
iCAD is the Ghana Scholarly Society's flagship annual conference, bringing together academics, researchers, professionals, policy actors, industry leaders, development partners, civil society organisations and emerging scholars to engage with the major questions shaping African development.
The conference is interdisciplinary in scope, welcoming scholarship and practice across business, economics, finance, law, governance, health, education, science, technology, sustainability, politics, gender, entrepreneurship and wider development studies.
With iCAD 2026 held successfully at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, we now invite institutions worldwide to step forward and host the next landmark edition.
Call for Bids to Host
iCAD 2027
The Ghana Scholarly Society invites academic institutions to submit expressions of interest in hosting a future edition of the International Conference on African Development.
Minimum Venue Requirements
| Requirement | Details required in bid |
|---|---|
| Large auditorium | Suitable for plenary sessions, keynote panels, opening and closing sessions - capacity up to 300 delegates. |
| Parallel rooms | At least 7 rooms for parallel paper sessions. Each must have seating, Wi-Fi, screen, projector, microphone and AV support. |
| Registration area | Suitable space for delegate registration, badge collection, information desk and conference materials. |
| Catering space | Space for teas, coffees, lunch breaks and informal networking. |
| Accessibility | Confirmation that all rooms, toilets, lifts, catering areas and delegate routes are fully accessible. |
| Technical support | AV, Wi-Fi, microphones, projectors, screens, recording or hybrid facilities where available. |
Ready to submit your bid?
Send your bid as a PDF or PowerPoint to ghanascholarlysociety@gmail.com with the subject line Bid to Host iCAD.
Informal enquiries: Dr. Kweku Adams - K.Adams3@bradford.ac.uk
Apply to Become a Track Chair
Send your application to ghanascholarlysociety@gmail.com including:
Your name, title & institution · The track or subject area · A short statement of interest (max 150 words) · Any relevant experience
GSS and iCAD on the World Stage
From live television coverage to features in Ghana's leading newspapers, the work of the Ghana Scholarly Society and iCAD is reaching further than ever. Here is a look at how our partnerships, research and conferences are shaping conversations about Africa's development on an international stage.
Ghana Scholarly Society Signs Landmark MoU with Jospong Group
In July 2026, Ghana Scholarly Society and the Jospong Group of Companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at closing some of the biggest gaps in Africa's development. The agreement opens direct pathways for GSS postgraduate students to study real business problems inside Jospong International Business, while giving both sides a shared platform to turn academic research into workable solutions for industry. Academic and company leaders, including Dr Kwaku Adams, Dr Samanjith Udumalagala and Devyani Kundu, spoke at the ceremony, which was broadcast live and reported nationally within hours.
Read on Citi Newsroom Read on Metro TV Online
The conversation
continues in 2027
iCAD brings Africa's scholarly community together with policymakers, industry and civil society. Whether you want to host, chair a track, present your research, or simply attend, there is a place for you at iCAD 2027.