The 20th Africa Young Graduates and Scholars (AYGS) Conference is set to be a landmark event, centered on the theme “Driving Sustainable Development: Innovation Through Technological Transformation”. This year’s participants represent a diverse cohort of researchers and practitioners dedicated to solving Africa’s most pressing challenges through evidence-based innovation.
Here is a look at the brilliant minds joining us in 2026:
Pioneers in Good Governance and Institutional Development
A significant group of scholars is focusing on the intersection of policy and innovation to strengthen state capability. Abednico Siambombe, a Zimbabwean Public Policy Strategist, will present his research on rethinking public sector innovation and accountability. Joining him is Abiola Mohammed from Nigeria, who assesses the quality of governance in flood disaster management. From South Africa, Dr. Phumlani Dlamkile explores higher education as a catalyst for public sector innovation, while Bryan Jason Bergsteedt examines how “anticipatory governance” can strengthen ethical leadership in African universities.
Innovators in Climate Resilience and Sustainable Agriculture
Addressing the climate crisis is a priority for many of our participants. Dr. Emmanuel Hanyabui uses remote sensing for drought monitoring in Ghana, and Tijani Iddrisu researches the effectiveness of climate information channels for smallholder farmers. Beatrice Ndosi from Tanzania focuses on climate adaptation solutions for young farmers, while Dr. Quentin Fiacre Togbévi investigates the impact of land use changes on hydrology in Benin. Additionally, Mr. Collins Bett is presenting work on fusion modelling for sustainable farming using Machine Learning and Internet of Things (IoT) data.
Health, Population, and Technology
Technological transformation in healthcare is a vital sub-theme this year. Dr. Tebogo Sole-Moloto is using mHealth technology to predict tuberculosis treatment outcomes, and Sinothando Bacela is researching how mobile health apps can strengthen disaster recovery. In the realm of data science, Getahun Mulugeta from Ethiopia applies machine learning to optimize renal transplant survival outcomes. Other critical societal research includes Bonolo Manana’s work on birth spacing in Senegal and Thembelihle Ginyana’s study on gender disparities in HIV prevention.
Champions for Education and Economic Transformation
The conference also highlights the role of youth and trade in Africa’s future. Dr. Tshepo Moloi and Phakamile Mazibuko are leading discussions on youth-led technological innovation and inclusive practices in higher education. On the economic front, Ndirangu Ngunjiri and Dr. Onguene Alain Christian are exploring trade finance and the physical infrastructure of cyberspace within the AfCFTA framework. Finally, Nomfundo Khoza and Sive Mbangiswa are developing frameworks for financial inclusion and female agripreneurship to drive local economic growth.
These participants represent the vanguard of African scholarship, bridging the gap between theory and practice to ensure a sustainable and innovative future for the continent.
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Watch the proceedings live below.
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