The Executive Director of Research Enterprise Systems (RES), Professor Fatai Aremu, is set to deliver a keynote address at the forthcoming Africa Unity for Renaissance Conference (AURC) scheduled to hold on 24 February 2026 in Pretoria, South Africa.
The invitation extended to the renowned political and development scholar by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) highlights Professor Aremu’s growing influence and significant contributions to Africa’s research and policy ecosystem.
The conference, which will bring together leading scholars, policymakers, heads of think tanks, and innovation stakeholders from across Africa and beyond, is expected to serve as a strategic platform for dialogue on Africa’s development trajectory in the digital age.
This year’s theme, “Harnessing Digital Technology and Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development in Africa,” reflects the urgent need to strategically leverage digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) to drive inclusive economic growth, strengthen governance systems, and address the continent’s pressing development challenges.
As a keynote speaker, Professor Aremu is expected to contribute to high-level discussions on policy frameworks, digital infrastructure, ethical considerations, and practical applications of AI and emerging technologies in advancing Africa’s sustainable development agenda.
His participation aligns strongly with RES’s mission to promote evidence-based research, innovation, and policy engagement at national, regional, and continental levels.
RES described the invitation as a strong affirmation of its commitment to research excellence, global collaboration, and thought leadership, particularly in emerging areas such as digital transformation and artificial intelligence for development.
The event is anticipated to further consolidate Africa’s collective resolve to harness technology as a catalyst for renaissance, unity, and sustainable progress across the continent.
