International Conference on Entrepreneurship and Development (ICED) 2026

Sunday, June 28, 2026

8:00 AM

Durban, South Africa

The International Conference on Entrepreneurship and Development (ICED) 2026 offers a timely platform for researchers, practitioners, postgraduate students and policy-makers to explore how entrepreneurship can drive inclusive and sustainable growth across Africa in the digital and green economy. This year's theme reflects the urgent need to harness innovation, digital transformation, and financial technologies to rebuild and reshape entrepreneurial ecosystems post-pandemic.

We invite you to join us in Durban South Africa, or online for thought-provoking discussions, networking opportunities, and knowledge exchange that bridge research and real-world impact.

Conference Objectives

  • Support post-pandemic entrepreneurial recovery across Africa and the Global South.
  • Promote inclusive participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in entrepreneurial ecosystems.
  • Leverage digital transformation, circular economy, and financial technologies for inclusive development.
  • Strengthen ecosystem collaboration and cross-sectoral innovation.
  • Explore the transformative role of AI, blockchain, and fintech in entrepreneurship.

Important Dates


Deadline
Abstract openNovember 2025
Abstract and Workshop Proposal submission closes01 March 2026
Notification of abstract and Workshop Proposal acceptance10 March 2026
Full paper submission15 May 2026
Conference dates28 to 30 June  2026


Submission of Abstracts will commence soon via the EasyChair platform.

Conference Fees

CategoryFee ( ZAR)Category
Presenting author (1st paper)R5,000Presenting author (1st paper)
Presenting author (2nd paper)R2,000Presenting author (2nd paper)
Student (presenting)R2,000Student (presenting)
Student / delegate (attending only)R1,500Student / delegate (attending only)
Pre-conference workshopR2,000Pre-conference workshop

Payment method will be updated.

Organising Institutions

Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT), South Africa

Durban University of Technology (DUT), South Africa

University of Fort Hare (UFH), South Africa

Botho University, Botswana

National University of Lesotho (NUL)

Vaal University of Technology

Botswana Open University



CUT’s Dr Valile Dwayi, appointed to National Reference Group on Internationalisation of Higher Education in South Africa

CUT’s Dr Valile Dwayi, appointed to National Reference Group on Internationalisation of Higher Education in South Africa


Dr Valile Dwayi, Senior Director: Centre for Global EngagementThe Central University of Technology, Free...


 CUT paints campuses black and purple to honour victims and survivors of GBVF

CUT paints campuses black and purple to honour victims and survivors of GBVF


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DHET applauds CUT for significant advances in University Capacity Development

DHET applauds CUT for significant advances in University Capacity Development


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