It gives me great pleasure to welcome all participants to the 30th Makerere University Business School Annual International Management Conference (AIMC 2026). The conference provides an important platform for scholars, researchers, practitioners, policymakers and students to come together, share knowledge and reflect on emerging issues that shape management and sustainable development in Africa.
Academic conferences such as AIMC are central to advancing academic achievement and scholarship. They provide opportunities for researchers to present their work, receive constructive feedback, refine their ideas and translate research findings into high-quality publications and impactful knowledge. For our postgraduate students and emerging scholars, the conference also offers an invaluable opportunity to develop their academic confidence, research skills and professional visibility.
Equally important is the opportunity to build and strengthen research networks and teams. The complex challenges facing Africa require interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches. AIMC creates space for participants to identify complementary expertise, initiate joint research projects, develop grant proposals, co-author publications and establish enduring partnerships across institutions and countries.
The conference also strengthens the connection between research, policy and practice. By bringing together academia, government, business and development actors, it encourages the generation and application of knowledge to address real-world challenges, promote innovation and contribute to sustainable national and continental transformation.
I therefore encourage all participants to use this conference not only as a forum for presenting papers, but also as an opportunity to learn, collaborate, mentor, build lasting professional relationships and create new possibilities for research and impact.
On behalf of Makerere University Business School, I warmly welcome you to AIMC 2026 and wish you fruitful deliberations, meaningful engagements and a memorable conference experience.
Assoc. Prof. Rachel Mindra Katoroogo, PhD
Deputy Principal
Makerere University Business School
