The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) will host its 10th Africa Unity for Renaissance Conference (AURC) on 24 February 2026 in Gauteng Province, South Africa. This year’s theme is ‘Harnessing Digital Technology and Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development in Africa’. The theme resonates with the robust, intellectually stimulating conversations over the past decade about the impact of digital technologies and artificial intelligence on African societies.

The digital transformative technological advancements experienced in Africa over the past decade have been astonishing and overwhelming. Strategic steps must be taken to ensure we harness the dividends of Digital Technology and Artificial Intelligence to transform our societies. The 2026 AURC intends to start these conversations, initially focusing on the infrastructure of digital technology and artificial intelligence in Africa, detailing policy formation and direction, leading discussions on specific applications, challenges, ethical considerations, and future trends related to harnessing digital technology and Artificial Intelligence for sustainable development in Africa.

The HSRC wants to be at the centre of these conversations. The 2026 conference aims to engage with these policies from an African Union perspective using research-based scholarly reflection to contribute to policy evaluation, recommendations, learning, and implementation.  

For more information and to reserve a place at the conference, contact Dr Check Achu, cachu@hsrc.ac.za    

Date: 24 February 2026

Time: 08:30 – 18:00

Venue: Emperors Palace, Kempton Park, Johannesburg, Gauteng

Event Enquiries: CAchu@hsrc.ac.za