The University of Fort Hare (UFH), in collaboration with the University of Kigali (UOK) and North-West University (NWU), will co-host an International Conference on Green and Sustainable Development in Kigali, Rwanda, from March 10-12, 2025.
Researchers, policymakers, academics, industry experts, and practitioners from across the globe will converge to explore probable solutions to sustainability challenges aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and Rwanda’s Vision 2050.
This conference, to be co-chaired by Prof Richardson Shambare, UFH Management and Commerce Dean, follows a year-long collaboration between UFH and the University of Kigali. It is underpinned by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that resulted in joint workshops in 2024.
The gathering features an impressive lineup of keynote speakers, including Ambassador Prof Peter Ngure, Kenya’s Ambassador to UNESCO, Dr Thierry M. Kalisa, Chief Economist at the National Bank of Rwanda, and Prof. Dr. Gabriele Schäfer from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften Kempten in Germany.
Dr Ronald Kwena, Director of Research and Innovation at the University of Kigali will chair the conference, with co-chairs Prof Shambare, Prof Felix Maringe (University of Kigali) and Prof Joseph Lekunze (North-West University).
UFH’s Role and Participation
Participants from the UFH Faculty of Management and Commerce and the Faculty of Science and Agriculture will contribute by presenting research papers, engaging in panel discussions, and chairing sessions. Additionally, researchers from the UFH Centre for Global Change will take their expertise on global sustainability issues to the conference.
Strategic Alignment
This event closely aligns with the UFH’s institutional goals, particularly in enhancing its research and innovation profile. Prof Shambare explains, “By co-organizing this conference, UFH contributes to the global discourse on sustainability and strengthens its research capacity and partnerships. This will enable Fort Hare to showcase African innovations crucial to addressing the continent’s sustainability challenges.”
Objectives and Impact
UFH Business Management Associate Professor Prof Tendai Chimucheka who is a member of the Scientific Committee, said: “I believe that this conference contributes to green and sustainable development in Africa by fostering knowledge exchange among participants, policy formulation, capacity building, and collaboration among stakeholders.”
“This collaboration will help showcase the work done by academics at the University of Fort Hare in contributing to green and sustainable development, particularly within Africa’s unique challenges and opportunities.”
Prof Juliet Townes and Prof Olabanji Oni are also esteemed members of the Scientific Committee.
In addition to promoting knowledge exchange, the gathering aims to encourage collaboration by building networks between academics, industry leaders, government officials, and NGOs. It also seeks to contribute to policy development, offering evidence-based solutions to promote sustainability across Africa.
This collaboration represents a significant step for UFH, which envisions itself as a “distinctive African university, advancing excellence and innovation in research, teaching, learning, administration, and social engagement”.