The Africa Development Conference (ADC) is an annual convening organized jointly by students of the Africa Caucus at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and Harvard African Law Association at the Harvard Law School. For close to two decades, it has stood as one of Harvard’s flagship Africa-focused gathering, bringing together policymakers, scholars, business leaders, entrepreneurs and changemakers from all over the continent and its diaspora. Each year, ADC provides a unique space for bold ideas, rigorous debate and action-oriented collaboration on the future of Africa’s development.
Harvard Kennedy School – Harvard Law School.
1585 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138
17th – 18th April, 2026. Friday to Saturday
As the world enters a period of profound geopolitical realignment, from new alliances in the Global South to the strategic contest over resources, energy and technology, Africa’s role has never been more consequential. The continent’s choices today will shape global trade, climate solutions and governance systems for generations to come. In its 2026 edition, ADC turns its focus to a pivotal question of our time: how can Africa move beyond being the arena of global competition to become one of the architects of a reshuffling world order? This year’s theme, “Reclaiming Africa’s Agency in a New Global Order”, reflects this transformative moment. It calls for a new lens through which African states, institutions and citizens can assert greater agency, redefine partnerships and build systems that serve its own priorities and values.
Speaker: Zachary Scott
Speaker: Brian Watkins
Lunch Time
Speaker: Ruth Keller
Speaker: Judith Flores
Speaker: Judith Flores
Speaker: Jane Roberts
Speaker: Betty Hopkins
Lunch Time
Speaker: Marie Reid
Speaker: Judith Flores
Speaker: Judith Flores
Speaker: Jacob Freeman
Speaker: James Ross
The Africa Caucus is the Harvard Kennedy School of Government student organization focused on Africa. Our community brings together students, policy makers, academics and supporting members interested in re-invigorating the reflection on the continent’s future prospects. Our goal is to inform the debate on Africa at Harvard and beyond.
In an effort to renew the narrative surrounding the continent, the overarching theme driving all our activities is taking Africa to the next level! We instill a spirit of reform to encourage our community to think outside the box and re-invent a vision for the African continent.
The Harvard African Law Association (HALA) is a student-run organization at Harvard Law School. Our mission is to unite students from or interested in Africa and to increase awareness of the legal, social, and economic issues that shape and concern the African continent. We strive to create a vibrant community that fosters dialogue, scholarship, and advocacy on African legal affairs.
Through events, panels, mentorship programs, and collaborations with a broad range of organizations, HALA seeks to amplify African voices, support professional development, and encourage critical engagement with the historical and contemporary forces that impact the continent and its global diaspora.
Harvard Law School – 1585 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138
Harvard Kennedy School – 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA 02138
We invite you to secure your tickets for the upcoming conference. This event promises to be an invaluable opportunity to connect, learn, and engage with industry leaders. Don’t miss out on this exceptional experience.
