Introduction and Background

The Institute of Finance Management (IFM), Tanzania in collaboration with the University of Zambia's Graduate School of Business (UNZA-GSB), Zambia, is pleased to announce the 2nd International Annual Conference (IAC). The conference will be held on 19th August 2025 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Established in 1972, IFM is a public institution of higher learning in Tanzania. Its counterpart, the University of Zambia, was established in 1965, and stands as the country's oldest and leading institution of higher learning. Both institutions remain steadfast in their commitment to advancing knowledge, fostering cutting-edge research, and promoting policy innovation across Africa and worldwide.

 Today's world is transforming rapidly, primarily driven by innovation and sustainability imperatives. These changes shape diverse spheres, including taxation, supply chains, employment, income distribution, human capital development, digital finance, governance, gender equity, and climate change. This conference aims to provide a dynamic platform for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to present findings, engage in discussions, and co-develop actionable insights to shape policies and practices for a more innovative and sustainable future for Africa and globally.

Conference Sub-themes

The conference invites high-quality scholarly contributions that engage with the overarching theme's theoretical, empirical, and practical dimensions. The sub-themes outlined below are broadly conceived to attract diverse perspectives from academics, researchers, industry experts, policymakers, and postgraduate students across disciplines and institutions. Contributions addressing contemporary challenges and innovative solutions within the African and global contexts are encouraged. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, the following thematic categories and sub-themes:

1.    Digital Transformation, Financial Inclusion, and Innovation in Banking

Fintech innovations and financial literacy for inclusive finance and economic empowerment

Digital identity and mobile banking for underserved populations

Cybersecurity, data protection, and financial system integrity

Regulatory frameworks for digital financial services

Financial instruments for climate risk mitigation and adaptation

2.    Trade Sustainability, Regional Integration, and Policy Reforms

Sustainable trade policy frameworks and cross-border cooperation

Institutional support for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and regional value chains

Trade facilitation and customs innovation

Policy reforms to enhance competitiveness and export diversification

Logistics, food security, and value chains

3.    Social Protection, Insurance, and the Sustainable Development Goals

Inclusive social safety nets and digital social protection delivery

Innovations in inclusive insurance and risk pooling mechanisms

Financing strategies for universal social protection

Climate change and adaptive social protection

Aligning social protection programs with SDG targets

Impact of technology, regulations and governance structures on insurance and social protection

4.    Monetary Policy, Fiscal Management and Financial Management

Innovative fiscal strategies for economic stability and growth

Sustainable public debt management and transparency

Budget reforms and performance-based public expenditure

Public financial management for efficient service delivery

Innovative fiscal strategies for economic stability and growth

Digital taxation in Africa

5.    Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and Public Services Delivery 

PPP models for infrastructure and essential services

Legal, institutional, and financial frameworks for effective PPPs

Risk-sharing, value-for-money, and project sustainability

PPPs in healthcare, education, transport, and energy sectors

6.    Strategic Communication, Media, and Information Management for Economic Transformation

Role of media in enhancing transparency and public accountability

Communicating fiscal reforms and economic policies

Financial literacy through mass media and digital platforms

Strategic information in budget processes and governance

Citizen engagement and participatory economic policymaking

7.    Innovation in Education, Research, and Capacity Building

Pedagogical innovations and blended learning in business education

Strengthening research impact on policy and practice

Indigenizing curricula for local relevance and global competitiveness

Academic-industry collaboration for skills development and innovation

8.    Corporate Governance, Ethical Leadership, and Sustainable Innovation in Africa

⁠Strengthening institutions for ethical governance, anti-corruption, and innovation.

Promoting board diversity and ethical leadership for sustainable development.

⁠Embedding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into corporate strategy and risk management.

⁠Leveraging digital tools and internal audits for transparency and compliance.

Advancing sustainability reporting and CSR for inclusive growth.

Event Modality

The conference will be held in a hybrid format, with in-person sessions hosted at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre in Dar es Salaam and virtual participation available via an interactive online platform. Each accepted paper will be allocated an oral presentation slot. Sessions will be thematically organized to encourage dynamic discussions and engaging experiences for both physical and virtual audiences.

Publication Opportunity

Accepted and presented papers will be considered for publication in reputable peer-reviewed journals hosted by IFM and UNZA:

• African Journal of Finance and Management (AJFM) - IFM
• Journal of Innovation and Social Science Research (JISSR) -IFM
• African Social Research Journal - UNZA

All journal submissions will undergo an additional peer-review process and must comply with the individual journal requirements.

 Registration Fee

Contact & Enquiries

For questions or further information, please contact the Conference Secretariat:

conferences@ifm.ac.tz; austin.mwange@unza.zm

+255789777928; +260978695566