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

Go to EasyChair platform to view the Call for Papers and submit abstracts.

Conference Fees

Payment method will be updated.

A short history of the ICED Conference

The International Conference on Entrepreneurship Development (ICED) is a prestigious biennial conference that has established itself as a significant platform for entrepreneurship research and development in South Africa and beyond. Hosted by the Central University of Technology (CUT), the conference series began its journey in 2017 with the inaugural event that brought together international delegates to engage on entrepreneurship development topics. The conference has successfully been hosted at CUT across multiple editions, demonstrating the university's commitment to fostering entrepreneurial research and international collaboration. Following the inaugural 2017 conference, subsequent editions were held in 2019, 2021, and 2023, with the 2021 conference adapting to global circumstances by being held virtually, showcasing the conference's resilience and commitment to continuing academic discourse despite challenges.
Throughout its history, ICED has consistently attracted diverse participation and has contributed significantly to the entrepreneurship research landscape, supporting CUT's strategic objectives in research and innovation. As the conference series continues to grow and evolve, ICED 2026 marks a significant milestone with the formation of a consortium of local and international universities, comprising DUT, VUT, UFH, NUL, and Botho University, joining forces to increase the global footprint of this premier conference. This collaborative approach reflects the conference's commitment to expanding its international reach and strengthening partnerships across the academic community while maintaining its biennial tradition of excellence in entrepreneurship development.

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