The Southern Africa Regional Science Association (SARSA), in collaboration with the Regional Science Association International (RSAI) and the Department of Land and Spatial Sciences at NUST, announces the 4th Annual Southern Africa Regional Science Association (SARSA) Conference 2026 Reimagining Regional Development Futures: Pathways to Inclusive, Resilient, and Sustainable Growth in Southern Africa

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

Conference Registration

• Early Bird Conference Registration Opens: 20 March 2026
• Late Conference Registration: 17 April 2026
• Conference Registration Closes: 30 June 2026
• Early Bird Registration: N$2 000
• Late Registration: N$2 500
• Students: N$1 000
• A discounted group rate will be considered for students or early- career academics submitting co-authored papers.

Submission Details

• Abstracts for papers should contain the purpose, objective(s), methods, findings, and implications/significance.
• Keywords (up to five) should be included.
• Full papers should contain an abstract, introduction, literature review, methods, findings and discussion, and conclusion.
• Papers and abstracts should be submitted online using this link (https://forms.gle/awxbMdER56YG1ewBA).
• Note that papers will only be accepted on the programme if the author/co-author will attend the conference
• If you have any questions relating to your submission, please contact Sam Mwando This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Elina Teodol This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Royal Mabakeng This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Prof Eric Yankson This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Important Dates

• Deadline for Submission of Abstracts: 31 January 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

+Info: https://sarsa2026.weebly.com/