Makerere University Business School (MUBS) is hosting the 30th Annual International Management Conference (AIMC) 2026 from 22–25 September 2026 at Imperial Golf View Hotel, Entebbe, Uganda, under the theme, “The Knowledge Revolution: Driving Innovation and Sustainable Development in Africa.”
The four-day conference brings together academics, researchers, students, policymakers, business professionals, entrepreneurs, development partners and practitioners to share knowledge, present research and explore innovative solutions to Africa’s social, economic and development challenges.
Advancing Knowledge, Innovation and Sustainable Development
AIMC 2026 provides a platform for meaningful dialogue on how knowledge, innovation and research can contribute to Africa’s sustainable transformation. The conference programme features keynote addresses, research presentations, doctoral sessions, panel discussions and networking opportunities.
Discussions are focusing on critical areas including entrepreneurship, governance, knowledge management, innovation, hospitality and tourism, and sustainable development. These areas reflect the growing need for African institutions, businesses and policymakers to translate knowledge and research into practical solutions.
Keynote Reflections from Day One
The opening day of AIMC 2026 featured important reflections from distinguished speakers, highlighting the relationship between knowledge, innovation, digital transformation and Africa’s development.
WELCOME REMARKS FROM THE PRINCIPAL
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 30th Annual International Management Conference of Makerere University Business School (MUBS), held under the theme “The Knowledge Revolution: Driving Innovation and Sustainable Development in Africa.”
Makerere University Business School is committed to advancing excellence in teaching, research, innovation, and community engagement. As a research-led institution, we recognize that the generation, dissemination, and application of knowledge are fundamental to addressing the complex social, economic, environmental, and governance challenges facing Africa today. Conferences such as this provide an invaluable platform where research findings are shared, ideas are challenged, partnerships are formed, and practical solutions to development challenges are collectively developed.
The purpose of this conference is to advance the strategic use of knowledge as a catalyst for innovation, institutional resilience, and inclusive and sustainable development in Africa and beyond. By bringing together scholars, policymakers, industry leaders, development partners, entrepreneurs, and practitioners from across the world, the conference strengthens collaboration between academia and society while promoting evidence-based policy and practice.
I am confident that participants will benefit immensely from the rich exchange of ideas, presentation of cutting-edge research, professional networking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and opportunities to establish lasting partnerships. The discussions and recommendations emerging from this conference will contribute not only to academic scholarship but also to informing policy, strengthening institutions, supporting business innovation, and accelerating Africa’s transformation into a knowledge-driven economy.
On behalf of Makerere University Business School, I extend a warm welcome to all our distinguished keynote speakers, presenters, delegates, sponsors, partners, and guests. I recognise International Delegates who have come to this conference. Your participation enriches this conference and reinforces our shared commitment to harnessing knowledge for sustainable development.
I wish you fruitful deliberations, meaningful networking, and a memorable stay in Uganda.
Prof. Moses Muhwezi, PhD Principal Makerere University Business School
Hon. Henry Musasizi: Knowledge and Innovation for Economic Transformation
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the Proceedings of the 30th Annual International Management Conference (AIMC 2026), organized by Makerere University Business School under the timely theme,“The Knowledge Revolution: Driving Innovation and Sustainable Development in Africa.”
This conference brings together scholars, policymakers, development partners, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and practitioners from across Africa and beyond to exchange ideas and generate practical solutions on how knowledge can be harnessed to accelerate innovation, strengthen institutions, enhance productivity, and promote inclusive and sustainable development. The purpose of this conference is to advance the strategic use of knowledge as a catalyst for innovation, institutional
resilience, and sustainable socio-economic transformation in Africa. Across the world, the most competitive economies are increasingly distinguished not by the abundance of natural resources alone, but by their ability to create, manage, share, and apply knowledge effectively. Knowledge management has become a strategic driver of economic growth, enabling governments, businesses, and institutions to make evidence-based decisions, improve public service delivery, stimulate entrepreneurship, strengthen industrial competitiveness, and accelerate digital transformation. For Africa, embracing knowledge
as a strategic development resource presents an opportunity to unlock productivity, create decent jobs, foster regional integration, and build resilient economies capable of responding to emerging
global challenges. The conference is well aligned with Uganda’s national development aspirations, particularly the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), which emphasizes innovation, industrialization, human capital development, digital transformation,and sustainable economic growth. It also complements the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, all of which recognize knowledge, science, technology, and innovation as indispensable foundations for inclusive prosperity and long-term
development.
The papers contained in this volume reflect the diversity of ideas, experiences, and innovations that will shape Africa’s knowledge future. They provide valuable evidence, policy insights, and practical recommendations that can inform decision-making across government, academia, industry, and civil society. I encourage participants to use this conference as a platform for meaningful dialogue, strategic partnerships, and collaborative action that will contribute to building knowledge-driven economies across the continent.
I commend Makerere University Business School for its continued leadership in advancing research, innovation, and policy engagement, and I congratulate all authors, reviewers, and organizers whose
dedication has made this conference possible. I wish you fruitful deliberations and every success during the conference.
Hon. Henry Musasizi
Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development
Republic of Uganda
