The Southern Africa Regional Science Association (SARSA), in collaboration with the Regional Science Association International (RSAI Nurturing New Talent Program), and the Department of Land and Spatial Sciences at the Namibia University of Science and Technology, announces the

4th Annual Southern Africa Regional Science Association Conference

Reimagining Regional Development Futures: Pathways to Inclusive, Resilient, and Sustainable Growth in Southern Africa 
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22- 24 July 2026, Namibia University of Science and Technology, Windhoek, Namibia
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Conference Themes

The conference will specifically focus on the complex development challenges shaped by urbanisation, climate change, inequality, migration, and economic transformation. Regional development debates increasingly emphasise the need for inclusive and resilient approaches that can address structural inequalities while fostering competitiveness and long-term sustainability.

• Economic Resilience, Finance, and Regional Development
• Urbanisation, Infrastructure, and Sustainability
• Society, Labour, and Inclusion
• Poverty, Inequality, and Informality
• Transportation and Mobility in Urban Areas
• Governance, Policy, and Institutions
• Technology, AI, and Digital Futures
• Land Governance, Tenure, and Administration
• Land Use Planning, Property Markets, and Spatial Development

Key dates

Extension Deadline for Submission of Abstracts: 28 February 2026
Notification of Accepted Abstracts: 21 February 2026
Submission of Full Papers: 30 April 2026
Notification of Full Paper Acceptance: 21 May 2026
Conference Dates: 22 - 24 July 2026

Venue

​Namibia University of Science and Technology
Main Campus, Windhoek

Accreditation

TBA
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KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

EU relations with Africa, the left behind continent
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Ana Vinuela
University of Oviedo, Spain
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Economics of the Global South

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Eduardo Haddad
University of Sao Paulo, ​Brazil
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Migration and Integration Challenges for Sustainable Development​

Tomás P. Dentinho
University of Azores, Portugal
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Integration Challenges Justice and Development
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Eric Yankson
Namibia University of Science and Technology, Namibia​​​

Housing and Resilient Cities in Southern Africa

Elizabeth M Musvoto
University of Cape Town, South Africa​

Regional Development and Innovative Futures in Africa

Samuel Odei
University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Králové, Czechia​

Spatial Dynamics of Local Economic Development in Africa

Neil Reid
The University of Toledo, Ohio, United States​

ORGANIZATION AND SUPPORT