The Art of Collaboration: Addressing Grand Challenges in Africa Through Research, Education, Practice and Policy Making.
An increasingly complex world characterized by intractable problems that have implications for the quality of life of citizens and ecological sustainability have been labelled societal grand challenges. In an African context, these challenges include eradication of poverty, digital transformation, ecological sustainability, entrepreneurial initiatives, and health promotion among others. The ill-defined nature of these grand challenges not only require new forms of organization in the form of institutional collaboration to conceptualize but also a mix of methodological approaches to understand, generate, and implement initiatives to address these challenges or wicked problems. The theme of the AFAM 2026 Biennial conference ‘The Art of Collaboration: Addressing Grand Challenges in Africa Through Research Education, Practice and Policy Making’ provides a platform for multiple stakeholders to engage in robust discussions across disciplinary boundaries, reflect on contextualized pedagogical approaches to teaching and learning, as well as bridge the academic-practitioner divide in order to contextualize solutions to Africa’s grand challenges.
Introductory Note from the Dean of ESCA Ecole de Management
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
It is with great pleasure that we invite you to the AFAM 2026 Biennial Conference at ESCA Ecole de Management in Casablanca, Morocco. Our institution is dedicated to fostering excellence in management education and producing impactful research. The theme, “The Art of Collaboration: Addressing Grand Challenges in Africa Through Research, Education, Practice, and Policy Making,” underscores the importance of collective efforts to tackle the critical issues of our time, such as poverty, digital transformation, sustainability, and health promotion.
Located within Casablanca Finance City (CFC), ESCA is at the heart of Africa’s major economic and financial hub. This strategic position enhances our ability to facilitate meaningful discussions and partnerships. We look forward to welcoming scholars, practitioners, and policymakers from around the
world. Your participation will be crucial in enriching our discussions and advancing our collective efforts toward sustainable and inclusive development in Africa.