iCAD2026 Concludes with Strong Call for Green Transition, Inclusion and Industrialisation in Africa
Dr. Samuel Kusi Assistant Professor in Marketing, University of Bradford, UK and Head of Branding & Partnership, Ghana Scholarly Society
The International Conference on African Development 2026 (iCAD2026) has successfully concluded, bringing together distinguished leaders from academia, industry, government, diplomacy, finance, entrepreneurship and development practice to advance Africa’s green transition and inclusive industrial transformation.
Held under the theme “Green Transition, Inclusion, and Industrialisation in Africa: Theory to Policy and Practice,” iCAD2026 created a dynamic platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange and partnership building. The conference focused on how African countries can transform environmental challenges into opportunities for job creation, innovation, enterprise development, green investment and sustainable industrial growth.
A major highlight of the conference was the launch of the £1MPlus Project, an ambitious initiative aimed at strengthening collaboration between universities, businesses, investors and public institutions. The project is designed to support applied research, capacity building, entrepreneurship, green enterprise development and practical industry-academia partnerships across Africa and the diaspora.
The conference featured powerful keynote addresses and contributions from leading figures, including Hon. Seth Terkper, Presidential Economic Advisor, Government of Ghana; Zita Sarbah Benson, Ghana High Commissioner to the UK and Ireland; H.E. Nimal Senadheera, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the UK; Mr Alex Dadey, Executive Chairman of KGL Group; Dr Alex Kumi-Larbi Jnr, Director of International Business at Jospong Group; Professor Roderick Watkins, Vice Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University, UK; Engr. Prof. Amevi Acakpovi, Vice Chancellor of Accra Technical University; His Honour Eric Daning, Judge, Obuasi Circuit Court, Ghana; Devyani Kundu, Head of Business Development at Jospong Group; Professor Patience Abor, Vice Rector of MountCrest University College, First Ever Female Professor at University of Ghana Business School, and Member of Presidential Economic Advisory Group, Ghana; and Dr. Kweku Adams, Associate Professor in International Business and Management, University of Bradford, UK and President of Ghana Scholarly Society – Organisers of iCAD26 Conference.
Speakers and participants emphasised the urgent need for Africa to move from policy ambition to practical implementation. Discussions highlighted the importance of green finance, circular economy infrastructure, digital innovation, skills development, youth employment, women’s entrepreneurship and stronger public-private partnerships. The role of universities as engines of innovation, enterprise creation and capacity building was also strongly reinforced. Emphasis should be placed on productivity and impact not on Big Titles.
iCAD2026 further provided an important opportunity for networking among researchers, policymakers, investors, business leaders, students and development partners. Participants explored practical models for supporting cleaner cities, sustainable industries, climate-resilient enterprises and inclusive economic growth.
The conference concluded with a shared commitment to deepen collaboration beyond the event. Stakeholders agreed that Africa’s green transition must be inclusive, locally driven and connected to industrial development that creates decent jobs and long-term value for communities.
The conference was organised in partnership with The Ghana High Commission, London; Sri Lanka High Commission, London; the British Council Ghana; UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce; Ghana International Bank; Jospong Group of Companies; KGL Group of Companies; Taptap Send Money Transfer; OMAXX; First Klass Shipping, UK; Social Enterprise Ghana; Excel Plus Education, Ghana; Asante International LLC, New Jersey, USA; JOKAF AVENIR; University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (USTED), Ghana; Anglia Rusking University, UK; University of Bradford, UK; CELLTEL Networks Ltd, Ghana; and PLUS ONE TV, Ghana. It was hosted by Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, between 17th – 19th June 2026 in the United Kingdom, and the Gala Dinner held at the prestigious Hilton Hotel, Cambridge, on 18th June 2026.
Organisers expressed appreciation to all speakers, partners, delegates and supporting institutions for contributing to the success of iCAD2026. They reaffirmed that the conference will continue to serve as a strategic platform for translating theory into policy and policy into practice.
