Cape Town, South Africa – November 11-13, 2026
Leaders of Change and Innovation Across Africa

By 2030, 40% of the world’s young people will live in Africa; by 2050, Africa will be responsible for 85% of the world’s growth in the working‑age population, with the region’s own population aged 15 to 64 almost doubling to 1.56 billion. This new generation will include entrepreneurs, innovators, and civic leaders who will shape the future of the global economy, technology, culture, and society. 

As international educators, we have a responsibility to prepare students to understand and engage with this global shift. Doing so requires intentional collaboration across higher education, industry, government, and community organizations via high‑impact global learning experiences such as study abroad, international research, and global internships. University leaders who champion international programs and cross‑sector partnerships therefore play a pivotal role in shaping their institutions’ contributions to technological advancement, social innovation, and the development of future‑ready skills.

Join us in Cape Town to hear from leaders of change and innovation across Africa and the global community, including student leaders, higher education leaders, business executives, policymakers, and community activists who are shaping pathways for economic growth, social innovation, and global engagement. This event is a platform for leaders across sectors to generate problem‑solving ideas, strengthen collaborative networks, and advance shared priorities through global education.

 

Sessions

Day 1
Nov 11, 2026
Day 2
Nov 12, 2026
Day 3
Nov 13, 2026

Opening Plenary: Leaders of Change and Innovation Across Africa

The opening plenary brings together student, university, industry, government, and community leaders from across Africa to illuminate how demographic, economic, and cultural transformation is already reshaping education, work, and civic life.

Meet CIEE Reception

Join us for a special reception where you’ll have the opportunity to meet the CIEE Center Directors from around the world. This gathering is your chance to connect with key staff who work directly with the participants and the programs.
10:10 am-10:30 am

Coffee Break – Old Harbour Lobby

CIEE Community Impact Global Poster Competition

The CIEE Community Impact Global Poster Competition recognizes study abroad students who have contributed meaningfully to local community-based projects. During this event, finalists from each CIEE region present concrete outcomes from their work, showing exactly how collaboration with local partners created positive change.
10:10 am-10:30 am

Coffee Break – Old Harbour Lobby

Partner Awards

The CIEE Leading Change Partner Awards recognize the higher education institutions, host families, internship hosts, community organizations, and study abroad alumni whose collaboration make global education possible. These awards honor institutions that send students to the region, on‑the‑ground partners who support meaningful learning and community impact, and alumni whose study abroad experience continues to shape their professional and civic paths.
12:30 pm-1:30 pm

Lunch

2025 Buenos Aires


Leading Change in Study Abroad in Latin America

Buenos Aires, Argentina

2024 Rome


Leading Change in a Changing Climate

Rome, Italy

2023 Paris


Leading Change in Study Abroad

Paris, France