In an increasingly digitized world, digital technology is pivotal in shaping many facets of Africa’s future at regional, national, transnational, organizational and individual levels. With a rapidly growing digital economy, increasing interconnectivity, and advances in human capital development, Africa has a tremendous opportunity to prepare the next generation for its digital future. The next generation – consisting mostly of its youth – will play a central role in shaping how digital technologies are innovated, adopted, and managed to leverage infinite socio-economic opportunities.
As we go into the future which will be largely driven by digital technology, there is immense potential for economic growth, innovation, and social change across Africa. This is because Africa is home to probably the world’s fastest-growing youth population, which is playing a major role in driving an explosive digital transformation. We therefore stand at a critical moment with a major responsibility to develop our youth who will become the next generation of leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs.
The African Conference on Information Systems & Technology (ACIST) provides a platform to contribute to this development. It seeks to inspire research and critical dialogue on how Africa can strategically position its young population to drive sustainable, inclusive, and transformative digital futures. The 12th edition (ACIST 2026) is therefore themed The Next Generation and Africa’s Digital Future.