The HSRC in partnership with the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) and other partners hosted the 2026 Africa Young Graduates and Scholars (AYGS) Conference, celebrating two decades of African research excellence and youth empowerment.
The conference themed, “Driving Sustainable Development: Innovation Through Technological Transformation” took place at UMP Mbombela Campus from 11–12 March 2026.
The theme emphasised the importance of harnessing scientific evidence, technological capabilities, and youth-led innovations to design African solutions to African problems. It called for bold thinking, practical insights, and collaborative research that will influence policy, transform systems, and deliver meaningful impact.
The milestone event brought together master’s students, doctoral candidates, recent PhD graduates, policymakers, and practitioners to address Africa’s pressing development priorities. These early-career researchers from across Africa – including South Africa, Ghana, Tanzania, Benin, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Kenya, Eswatini, Rwanda, Malawi, Uganda, Mauritius, Senegal, and Ethiopia – gathered in Mpumalanga, South Africa, to reimagine Africa’s future, focusing on technological innovation, sustainability, and inclusive development.
Watch the conference proceedings below:
Day 1:
Day 2:
