CAAS Conference 2026

The 2026 Conference of the Canadian Association of African Studies (CAAS) brought together scholars, researchers, practitioners, and students from Canada and around the world to explore the theme “Global Africa: Legacies, Change and Aspirations.” Held from June 9–12, 2026, at Glendon College, York University, in Toronto, Canada, the conference provided a vibrant forum for examining Africa and its global diasporas, while strengthening connections across African Studies communities.

Following the call for proposals, the conference received a record-breaking 1,024 abstract submissions from 67 countries worldwide, reflecting the growing breadth and vitality of African Studies scholarship internationally. More than 570 presentations were featured in the final program, organized across 127 sessions, offering participants an exceptionally diverse range of perspectives, research, and conversations. A total of 509 individuals registered for the conference, including 364 in-person registrants, with actual in-person attendance estimated at approximately 200–225 participants.

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Conference 2026 Highlights

The conference was a remarkable gathering that showcased the depth, diversity, and dynamism of scholarship on Africa and its global connections. Through keynote lectures, plenary events, panels, workshops, and interactive sessions, participants explored the legacies that continue to shape African societies, the transformations taking place across the continent and its diasporas, and the aspirations informing Africa’s futures.

A major highlight was the CAAS & CASID Opening Ceremony, which set the tone for four days of intellectual exchange, collaboration, and reflection on the contemporary and historical dimensions of Global Africa.

The conference also featured a keynote lecture, which highlighted important dimensions of African history and scholarship, particularly around women, gender, and sexuality, and provided a powerful contribution to the conference theme.

Another important event was the Annual Christopher Youé Lecture, which continued the tradition of honouring the memory and scholarly legacy of Dr. Christopher Youé, a distinguished historian and long-serving editor of the Canadian Journal of African Studies.

Across the 127 sessions, presenters addressed a wide range of subjects and approaches within African Studies. The breadth of the program created opportunities for scholars at different career stages and from diverse disciplinary and geographical backgrounds to exchange ideas, share research, and develop new collaborations. The extraordinary number of submissions and presentations underscored the strength of the field and the international interest in understanding Africa’s past, present, and future.

Beyond the academic program, the conference created valuable opportunities for community-building and networking. The 2026 CAAS Social Night brought participants together for an evening of dinner, music, and celebration, featuring Afrobeat, Amapiano, Dancehall, and other sounds that reflected the richness and diversity of African and diasporic cultures. The conference also offered opportunities to experience Toronto and its surrounding region, including the CAAS trip to Niagara Falls,.

In short, the CAAS Conference 2026 not only celebrated the richness of African scholarship but also laid the groundwork for future collaborations. We look forward to seeing the impact of these discussions and connections in the years to come.

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