The Academy of African Business and Development (AABD) is pleased to invite submissions of full papers, abstracts, and special session proposals for its 25th AABD annual conference to be held at the prestigious University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, from May 20 to 24, 2025. This milestone event aims to gather scholars, researchers, policy makers, business professionals, civil society representatives and community leaders engaged in sustainable development in Africa and beyond.

In an era where digital technologies are rapidly transforming societies and economies, the theme "Reshaping Africa’s Sustainable Development through Digital Inclusion" addresses the critical intersection of technological innovation, artificial intelligence, business and sustainable growth in Africa. This conference aims to explore how digital inclusion can serve as a catalyst for sustainable development, fostering economic resilience, social equity, societal and environmental wellbeing across the continent.

While we welcome all original contributions that fit into any of the conference tracks below, we strongly encourage research that addresses the main conference theme or any of the following subthemes:

• Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Exploring how digital technologies and innovative practices are driving entrepreneurial growth across Africa, empowering new businesses, and reshaping traditional industries to contribute to sustainable economic development.
• African Nation Branding Examining the role of digital tools in promoting Africa’s diverse cultures, economies, and opportunities on the international stage.
• African Consumer Behavior: Analyzing the evolving digital behaviors of African consumers, focusing on how digital inclusion influences purchasing patterns, brand loyalty, and market dynamics across the continent.
• Misinformation and Cybersecurity: Addressing the challenges of misinformation in the digital age, this sub-theme will explore the impact of cybersecurity measures in safeguarding information integrity, public trust, and social stability in Africa.
• Business Risks and Insurance: Examining the emerging risks associated with digital transformation and the role of innovative insurance solutions in mitigating these risks, ensuring business continuity, and supporting sustainable development in Africa.
• African Labor Laws, Employee and Organizational Management: Focusing on the intersection of digital inclusion and labor practices, this sub-theme will investigate how digital technologies are influencing labor laws, employee management, and organizational structures to foster a more equitable and productive workforce in Africa.
• Digital Literacy: Providing education and resources to develop necessary digital skills, including in the use of artificial intelligence.
• Digital Equity: Addressing systemic barriers preventing marginalized groups from benefiting equally from digital advancements.
• Socio-Cultural Inclusion: Integrating diverse African cultural contexts and African languages in digital content and platforms.
• Economic Empowerment: Opening new economic opportunities, particularly for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and the informal sector.
• Education and Skill Development: Providing access to online learning resources and digital classrooms, especially in remote and underserved areas.
• Healthcare Economics and Access: Bridging gaps in healthcare services with telemedicine and mobile health applications.
• Governance and Civic Participation: Enhancing transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement through digital platforms.
• Environmental Well-being and Sustainability: Supporting environmental monitoring, resource management, and green technologies.
• Social Inclusion and Equity: Promoting social equity by providing marginalized groups with access to information, services, and opportunities.