The 2026 SoTL Africa Conference
Conference Theme:
Seed. Root. Grow: Nurturing SoTL across Africa
The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning continues to take root across African higher education. As educators, researchers, and institutional leaders, we share a commitment to understanding how students learn and how teaching can support meaningful transformation. The second Annual Africa SoTL Conference invites participants to reflect on the foundations, possibilities, and future of SoTL across the continent.
Using the ideas of roots, seeds, and growth, this conference explores how teaching and learning scholarship can be grounded in African contexts while contributing to global conversations about education. Just as healthy ecosystems require strong roots, fertile soil, careful planting, and sustained care, the development of SoTL in Africa requires collaboration, curiosity, and shared learning.
This conference aims to strengthen a community of educators who are committed to evidence informed teaching and student success across African universities and colleges.
Sub-Themes Explained
Emerging Ideas and New Scholars
Seeds represent new ideas, early stage research, and emerging scholars who are beginning to explore the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. This theme highlights innovative approaches, pilot projects, and early investigations that show promise for future growth.
Possible topics include:
- Early stage SoTL research.
- New pedagogical approaches and classroom experiments.
- Student partnerships in teaching and learning research.
- Digital and technology supported learning innovations.
- Building your SoTL skill set.
Foundations of SoTL in African Higher Education
This theme explores the historical, cultural, and institutional foundations that shape teaching and learning across African universities. Contributions may examine how African philosophies, educational traditions, and institutional contexts inform SoTL practice and research.
Possible topics include:
- African perspectives on teaching and learning.
- Institutional support for SoTL.
- Building cultures of reflective teaching.
- Integrating local knowledge systems into curricula.
Expanding Practice
and Impact
Growth reflects the expansion of effective teaching practices and research across institutions and disciplines. This theme invites work that demonstrates impact and the scaling of successful initiatives.
Possible topics include:
- Collaborative SoTL research across institutions.
- Interdisciplinary approaches to teaching and learning.
- Professional development for educators.
- Evaluating the impact of teaching innovations.
Registration Fee: $50 (GHS 576.00)
for both in-person and online attendees.
Undergraduate and graduate students may apply for a fee waiver by emailing sotlafrica@ashesi.edu.gh with the subject line: “SOTL Africa 2026 – Fee Waiver”.
We’ve put together a resource that is designed to help you prepare for a smooth conference experience. Inside, you will find an overview of the SoTL Africa Conference, FAQs, recommended accommodation options, and practical details to help you navigate your stay.
The 2-day conference will bring together teacher-scholar-mentors from across the country, Africa, and beyond to showcase their research through posters, paper presentations, storytelling, and other creative methods. The conference will feature engaging keynotes, interactive panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and other activities.
The conference seeks to:
- Strengthen networks among African educators engaged in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning.
- Highlight innovative teaching and learning practices grounded in African contexts.
- Support emerging scholars who are beginning their SoTL journeys.
- Encourage collaborative research and cross institutional partnerships.
- Build a sustainable community that nurtures the continued flourishing of SoTL across the continent.
Conference Speakers
2026 Conference Speakers to be announced soon
2025 Conference Speakers:
Registration Timelines:
- Registration Begins – 21st April 2026
- Registration ends – 31st July 2026
Call for Paper Abstracts:
- Call for Abstracts Begins – 21st April 2026
- Call for Abstracts Ends – 8th June 2026
- Initiate Abstracts Review – 9th June 2026
- End of Abstracts Review – 30th June 2026
- Communications Sent Regarding Paper Decisions – 2nd – 4thJuly 2026
- Virtual session for Selected Participants, Speakers – 14th Aug 2026
- Submission of Posters/Slides – 21st Aug 2026
- Conference Dates – 28th & 29th Aug 2026
The conference will take place at Ashesi University, Ghana, from the 28th to the 29th of August, 2025, in the Hive Banquet Hall.
(online attendance available, details provided upon registration)
Faculty, higher education leaders, educational developers, students (undergraduate, graduate, and early-career researchers), teaching and research assistants, and anyone interested in enhancing teaching and learning through SoTL are encouraged to attend.
Find out more here: https://ashe.si/4mWHqYH!
On 10–11 September 2025, Ashesi hosted its inaugural annual Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) Africa Conference, bringing together faculty, researchers, leaders, and students from across the continent.
The conference elevated awareness of effective teaching practices, showcased emerging approaches, and created space for meaningful reflection on teaching and learning in African higher education.
Highlight Reel
Post-Event Stats
Represented
Presentations
Attendance
The SoTL Africa journal, in the spirit of Ashesi, through essays teaches SoTL philosophy and pedagogic practice, and publishes exemplary SoTL research relevant to the context of Africa.
