Presented by: The Afrikan Peer Growth Network (APGroN) in partnership with Black Lawyers
Association Student Chapter, Parow Branch (BLASC).
Theme: Exploring technological advancements in Gender, Aviation, Marine and Energy
Studies as Potential Key Economic Drivers for Africa’s Advancement.
Dates: 26 – 28 November 2025, UNISA Parow Campus, Cape Town, South Africa.
Overview
The 5th iteration of the APGroN International Conference will be held in Cape Town, South Africa.
The Conference aims to bring together scholars, industry experts, government officials, and
other stakeholders to explore how technological advancements (such as the fourth and fifth
industrial revolutions (4IR/5IR)) aviation, marine, and energy sectors can drive economic growth
and development in Africa. The Conference will feature keynote addresses, high-level panels,
breakaway sessions, and a research and publication capacity-building colloquium. The
Conference turns 5 this year – a huge milestone – 5 years of knowledge production and capacity
building of junior and emerging scholars across the continent. To read more about APGroN
please visit www.apgron.co.za
Research and Publication Capacity Building Colloquium
This will feature workshops and training sessions on capacity building in the fields of research
design, methodology, and library tools. This has been the mainstay of the APGroN Conference,
to create the next cohort of researchers, PhD holders and professors, by imparting the core skills
needed by the academic community today. Participants range from undergraduate students to
post-graduate students.
Objectives
- To identify and discuss the challenges and opportunities in the gender, aviation, marine,
4IR/5IR, and energy sectors in Africa. - To foster collaboration between academia, industry, and government for sustainable
economic growth. - To build capacity and share knowledge through workshops and training sessions.
- To recognise and reward outstanding research contributions in these fields.
Expected Outcomes
- A comprehensive understanding of the current issues and future prospects in aviation,
marine, and energy sectors. - Strengthened networks and partnerships among stakeholders.
- Enhanced capacity and skills among participants, especially students and emerging researchers.
Theme 1: Aligning Energy Policies for Sustainable and Transdisciplinary Development in
Africa
Sub-themes:
- Integrating Renewable Energy into Africa’s Energy Systems: Infrastructure, Policy,
and Environmental Implications: A focus on how renewable energy sources can be
harmonised with existing infrastructure while addressing ecological sustainability and
policy coherence. - Addressing Energy Poverty through Policy and Practice: Pathways to Sustainable
and Interdisciplinary Economic Growth in Africa: Exploring how coordinated initiatives
can eradicate energy poverty while simultaneously fostering inclusive and diversified
economic development. - Harnessing African Technology and Innovation to Advance Energy Efficiency and
Sustainability: Examining the role of indigenous innovation, digitalisation, and
technology-driven solutions in improving energy efficiency across disciplines and
sectors. - Governance, Regulation, and Policy Coherence in Africa’s Energy Transition:
Investigating the role of policy alignment, regional cooperation, and governance
structures in enabling a just and transdisciplinary energy transition.
Theme 2: Africa’s Aviation Industry as a Catalyst for Regional Economic Integration: MultiDisciplinary Perspectives
Sub-themes:
- Key Challenges Facing the Development of Aviation Infrastructure in Africa from an
Inter-Disciplinary Perspective: Examining financing, regulatory, environmental, and
technical barriers to developing airports, air navigation systems, and related
infrastructure. - The Role of Government Policies in Growing the Aviation Sector in Africa: Assessing
how national and regional aviation policies shape competitiveness, connectivity, and the
integration of air transport markets. - The Impact of Africa’s Geographical Position on Achieving a Single African Sky
Regulatory Framework: Exploring the continent’s spatial dynamics and geopolitical
considerations in implementing the Yamoussoukro Decision and SAATM (Single African
Air Transport Market). - Emerging Technological Trends in the Aviation Sector: Evaluating innovations such as
drones, digitalisation, AI, and sustainable fuels in transforming aviation operations and
advancing regional integration
Theme 3: Advancing Africa’s Blue Economy: Infrastructure, Governance, Inclusion, and
Sustainability in the Marine Sector
Sub-themes:
- Sustainable Blue Economy: Access, Inclusion, and Africanisation: Exploring
equitable participation in Africa’s marine economy, ensuring benefits reach coastal
communities, women, and youth. - Port Development in Africa – Infrastructure, Innovation, and Governance
Challenges: Addressing financing, regulatory, and technological hurdles in modernising
ports for global competitiveness. - Maritime Transport and Trade Facilitation in Africa: Examining the role of shipping and
logistics in enhancing intra-African trade, especially under AfCFTA. - Marine Environmental Governance and Climate Resilience: Assessing strategies for
balancing economic growth with sustainable ocean management, deep sea mining,
biodiversity protection, and climate adaptation.
Theme 4: Technology, Gender, and Power: Rethinking Inclusion in the Digital Age
Sub-themes:
- Gendered Access and Digital Divides: Examining how access to digital tools, internet,
and emerging technologies remains uneven across gender lines, particularly in Africa. - Women in STEM, Innovation, and Leadership: Highlighting barriers and opportunities
for women in STEM careers, innovation hubs, and tech entrepreneurship. - Technology, Labour, and Care Economies: How automation, AI, and platform
economies impact women differently in formal and informal sectors. - Digital Rights, Safety, and Feminist Futures: Exploring online gender-based violence,
data privacy, surveillance, and representation of women in digital spaces.
