The University of Eldoret is proud to host the 10^th International Conference of the U6+ Consortium of African Universities, bringing together scholars, researchers, innovators, policymakers, industry leaders, and development partners from across Africa and beyond. The conference takes place at the University of Eldoret Main Campus from 7–11 September 2026.

Under the theme:

“Africa and the Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR): Inclusive Innovation, Indigenous and Citizen Science for Sustainable Transformation”

the conference provides a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue on how Africa can harness emerging technologies, indigenous knowledge systems, and citizen-driven innovation to achieve sustainable development and socioeconomic transformation.

The conference shall have 8 subthemes namely;

1. Agriculture & Food Systems
   1. Precision agriculture, data, and digital platforms
   2. Indigenous farming knowledge and seed systems
   3. Citizen science and agroecology for food security
   4. Agrientrepreneurship and value addition
2. Social Sciences & Community Development
   1. Social inclusion, equity, and participatory innovation
   2. Governance, policy, and digital citizenship
   3. Cultural heritage, indigenous institutions, and social resilience
   4. Community driven development models
3. Business, Entrepreneurship & Economics
   1. MSMEs, startups, and innovation ecosystems
   2. Indigenous enterprises and community based business models
   3. Digital finance, fintech, and market access
   4. Sustainable and impact entrepreneurship
4. Science, Technology, Engineering & Innovation
   1. AI, IoT, robotics, and smart systems
   2. Frugal and indigenous engineering innovations
   3. Infrastructure for inclusive digital transformation
   4. Local manufacturing and technology transfer
   5. Open science and research cocreation
   6. Knowledge systems integration
   7. Research to policy and research to market pathways
   8. Ethics, ownership, and protection of indigenous knowledge
5. Education & Human Capital Development
   1. CBET, TVET, and lifelong learning
   2. Digital learning platforms and open science
   3. Indigenous knowledge in curricula
   4. Skills development for youth and women
6. One Health & Well Being
   1. Digital health systems and telemedicine
   2. Indigenous and alternative medicine
   3. Communitybased health data and surveillance
   4. Universal health coverage and equity
7. Natural Resources, Climate Change & Sustainable Development
   1. Inclusive climate action in Africa
   2. Biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration
   3. Indigenous environmental stewardship
   4. Green technologies and circular economy
   5. Mining, water, forestry, and land governance
   6. Community participation and benefit sharing
   7. Digital monitoring and resource management systems
   8. Sustainable extraction and value addition
8. Law, Peace & Justice
   1. Governance & Rule of Law
   2. Human Rights & Social Justice
   3. Conflict Resolution & Peacebuilding
   4. Security & Justice Systems
   5. Global & Emerging Issues
   6. Regional / Africa-Focused Issues

Conference Week Programme

1. Monday, 7^th September 2026: Arrival and reception of guests and delegates for the African student leadership programme.
2. Tuesday, 8^th September 2026:
   1. Arrival and reception of conference guests and delegates
   2. African Student Leaders Workshop/Postgraduate training sessions and evening cocktail
3. Wednesday, 9^th September 2026: Official opening and Main conference sessions begin
4. Thursday, 10^th September 2026: Main conference sessions
5. Friday, 11^th September 2026: Main conference sessions, conference dinner, and closing activities

The U6 Plus Consortium of African Universities International Conference is an annual flagship event organized by a consortium of eleven universities across Africa. The member institutions include the University of Eldoret (Kenya), the University of Cape Coast (Ghana), the University of Ilorin (Nigeria), Cape Peninsula University of Technology (South Africa), Al-Hikmah University (Nigeria), Kwara State University (Nigeria), Vaal University of Technology (South Africa), the University of The Gambia (The Gambia), the Federal University of Technology (Nigeria), the University of Abuja (Nigeria), and the University of Calabar (Nigeria).

The conference will be preceded by two important capacity-building engagements: the African Student Leaders Workshop and the Postgraduate Training Workshop, both designed to foster leadership, research excellence, and academic collaboration among participants.

The event is expected to attract Vice-Chancellors from the eleven member universities, alongside distinguished policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, and development partners. This presents a unique platform for networking, knowledge exchange, institutional partnerships, and collaborative research initiatives.

The University of Eldoret encourages members of staff and their research collaborators to actively participate in this prestigious international conference by submitting and presenting their research findings. To support staff participation, the University will subsidize 50% of the conference registration fee applicable to international delegates for all accepted papers and/or poster presentations.

Important Dates

Abstract Submission Deadline (Extended): 30 June 2026
Early Bird Registration Deadline (Extended): 31 July 2026
Full Paper Submission Deadline: 30 August 2026
Conference Dates: 7–11 September 2026

Call for Abstracts

The University of Eldoret invites researchers, innovators, and practitioners to submit abstracts aligned with the conference theme and related sub-themes. Contributions should showcase innovative research, practical experiences, policy perspectives, and transformative solutions that address Africa’s contemporary challenges and opportunities within the context of the Fifth Industrial Revolution.

Abstract submissions are accepted through the conference secretariat via:

Email: admin@u6conference.org
Copy to: u6conference@uoeld.ac.ke

For more information about the conference, prospective participants are encouraged to visit the official conference website at https://u6conference.org

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding abstract submissions, registration, sponsorship opportunities, and participation, please contact:

Telephone:

+254 142 720 700
+254 727 462626

Email: info@uoeld.ac.ke

The University of Eldoret welcomes participants from across the globe to join this landmark conference and contribute to shaping Africa’s future through inclusive innovation, indigenous knowledge, citizen science, and sustainable transformation.