The recently concluded 8th Biennial Conference of the Africa Academy of Management (AFAM), held in Casablanca, Morocco, offered a compelling demonstration of the art and science of collaboration. As highlighted in the opening keynote, collaboration was not merely a theme but a lived experience throughout the conference. Delegates reflected on the vibrancy of the event, noting the unique convergence with the Africa Cup of Nations, the strong presence of first-time AFAM attendees, many participants’ first visit to Morocco, the formation of new scholarly connections, and the rare opportunity to meet and engage with authors whose work they have long cited.
A particularly significant milestone was the increased representation of Africa-based delegates, accounting for approximately 32% of attendees. This shift meaningfully strengthened the ownership, voice, and agency of the continent in shaping research agendas and conversations about Africa, for Africa. It marked a deliberate move toward centering African perspectives in global management scholarship.
The conference reinforced the understanding that Africa’s grand challenges demand not only interdisciplinary collaboration but also a plurality of methodological approaches. The AFAM 2026 Biennial Conference theme, “The Art of Collaboration: Addressing Grand Challenges in Africa Through Research, Education, Practice and Policy Making,” provided a robust platform for scholars, practitioners, educators, and policymakers to engage across disciplinary boundaries. Participants critically reflected on contextually grounded pedagogical approaches and explored practical pathways for bridging the academic–practitioner divide in order to develop solutions that are both relevant and impactful.
Over four days, the program featured rich intellectual discourse, including professional development workshops for early-career researchers and PhD scholars, alongside panels and sessions addressing context-specific challenges across the continent. Key thematic areas included inclusive business models for sustainable development; entrepreneurship and youth empowerment; leadership philosophies and indigenous management practices; digital innovation and technology adoption; policy frameworks for regional trade and economic integration; climate resilience and green business practices; ethical leadership and anti-corruption efforts; business education and future skills development; informal economies; gender equality and women’s entrepreneurship; religion and spirituality in African organizations; financing innovation; natural resources and geopolitics; decolonization of the African university; and context-specific research methodologies.
Beyond the formal academic engagements, the warmth and generosity of Moroccan hospitality deeply enriched the conference experience. In true African spirit, relationships were strengthened, meaningful collaborations were forged, and momentum was built toward transformative impact across the continent.
