Trade, Technology and Transformation Conference 2025
Empowering Africa's Future: Unveiling Economic Growth and Technological Advancement
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Trade, Technology and Transformation 2025
Economic Growth and Technological Advancement
This year under the theme “Empowering Africa's Future: Unveiling Opportunities for Economic Growth and Technological Advancement.”
From 9- to 13 June 2025 in Mauritius - in collaboration with the University of Mauritius, the WTO Research Chairs Programme, as well as the University of KwaZulu Natal - this landmark event will explore the rapidly evolving digital landscape in Africa and the transformative potential of new technologies in driving economic growth, fostering innovation in infrastructure development, and advancing socio-economic development.
Central to our event is the "triple helix", underscoring the importance of the partnership among government, the private sector, and academia in shaping the future of Africa's economic transformation.
Value Proposition
By aligning with this prestigious event, you will not only gain visibility but also play a pivotal role in advancing Africa's economic transformation and fostering inclusive socio-economic growth.
As a sponsor, you will help to craft the messaging focused on the modes and models of economic transformation and how technology tools and concepts should be used responsibly to achieve development progress.
There are abundant opportunities to network with business leaders and experts in the field of trade and economic transformation at networking events and at our business lounge area. The island of Mauritius in one of the most beautiful locations in the world and amongst the best places to do business in Africa.
Along with the other leading organizations committed to innovation and development in Africa, your support as a sponsor could greatly enhance the success and impact of this conference.
Trade, Technology and Transformation Conference 2025
Conference registrations are now open!
Make sure to register for this landmark event.
Register nowDownload Conference Programme
Conference Fees
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Conference Themes
Keynote Speakers
We are pleased to announce the keynote speakers for the Trade, Technology and Transformation Conference 2025.
Download Keynote Speakers list
Boopen Seetanah is Professor at the University of Mauritius
Boopen Seetanah is Professor at the University of Mauritius (UoM) with research interest in tourism and transport, international trade and finance, and development economics. He is currently the Co-Chair of the WTO Chair (UoM) and the Director of Research at the International Centre for Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality at the UoM.
He is also the Dean of the Faculty of Law and Management. Boopen is an editorial board member and a reviewer for numerous highly rated journals. He has been consulting with the government and numerous international organizations including the UNEP, UNDP, UNCTAD, World Bank, UNECA, WTO, ADB, ILO, and RMCE among others.
Verena Tandrayen-Ragoobur, University of Mauritius
Verena Tandrayen-Ragoobur is an Associate Professor in Economics at the University of Mauritius. She is currently the Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. She is also an Extraordinary Associate Professor at North-West University. Her research areas focus on international and development economics. She works on international trade, labour market, poverty, social protection, social policies, climate change, and gender.
She has published extensively in high-impact factor journals. She is currently heading the Pole of Applied Socio-Economic Research and Analysis and is also the co-chair of the WTO Chairs Programme at the University of Mauritius. She has been involved in various research and consultancy projects internationally and locally with Ministries, NGOs and private institutions.
Dr Mzukisi Qobo, South Africa's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Geneva, Switzerland
Dr Mzukisi Qobo was appointed in November 2023 as South Africa's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Geneva, Switzerland. Dr Qobo has 25 years of experience in the public service, academia, and policy think tanks, including as the Head of the Wits School of Governance at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. Ambassador Qobo consulted for the World Bank and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). Between 2019 and 2024, he was a member of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council which advised President Cyril Ramaphosa on economic policy and the economic recovery plan.
Dr Qobo was a facilitator of the Agriculture and Agroprocessing Masterplan. As chief director for Trade Policy Review at the Department of Trade and Industry, between 2007 and 2010, Dr Qobo oversaw the formulation of South Africa's trade policy. He has also served on several boards in the private and public sectors, including on the Board of Tutwa Consulting Group. Dr Qobo holds a PhD from the University of Warwick, UK, and is a published author, notably of the book The Political Economy of China-US Relations: African Agency and Digital Futures.
Venue
Mauritius
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Crystals Beach Resort Belle Mare Special Rates |
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Shangri-La |
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SALT of Palmar |
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Solana Beach |
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Ambre |
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Self-Catering in The East (Mauritius) |
Call for Papers
The inaugural 2025 conference Digital Africa: Trade, Tech, Transformation, invites submissions for its upcoming gathering. The theme, Empowering Africa' Future: Unlocking Opportunities for Economic Growth and Technological Advancement
prompts us to delve into the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation in the trade and investment domain.
We seek engaging and insightful presentations focusing on
- Fundamental issues of trade, investment and digital transformation
- ICTs, emerging technologies, and Digital Transformation
- Issues of Sustainability, capacity building in trade, investment and digital transformation
- Emerging issues in the trade, investment, and digital trade domain
- Digital Trade and Economic Integration
As a collaborative platform for Government, Academia, and the Business sector, the conference aims to foster a triple helix of expertise and perspectives. The conference will feature plenary sessions and round table discussions, providing ample opportunities to exchange ideas and collaborate on solutions.
Submission Guidelines
We welcome original, unpublished research papers not under consideration for publication elsewhere. Papers should be written in English and formatted according to the conference guidelines. Position papers and reviews are also welcome and should be clearly identified as such. All submissions will be peer-reviewed and successful submissions will be included in the conference proceedings.
Improtant Dates
- Abstract (900-word maximum) Submission Deadline: 31st December 2024
- Notification of Suitability: 30th January 2025
- Paper Submission Deadline: 28th February 2025
- Notification of Acceptance: 7th April 2025
- Final Paper Submission: 20th May 2025
- Conference Dates: 9 - 13 June 2025
Each plenary session will consist of
- Keynote government/policy paper: 20 minutes
- Keynote private-sector presentation: 20 minutes
- 2 - 3 academic presentations: 20 - 30 minutes
- Round Table Discussion: 60 minutes
Join us in Mauritius from 9-13 June 2025 for this landmark event that seeks to shape Africa's digital future through collaboration, innovation, and insight.
All accepted papers will be included in the Conference Proceedings:
Title: Digital Africa Conference Proceedings
ISSN: 3023-3992
