2nd EACARNRI International Conference – Call for Papers
Call for Papers
2nd EACARNRI International Conference
Advancing East Africa’s Regional Integration Agenda
About the Conference
The East African Community Academic and Research Network for Regional Integration (EACARNRI) was launched on 23 June 2023 in Kigali, Rwanda, through the efforts of the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) and the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence (JMCE).
EACARNRI brings together academics and researchers to accelerate the East African regional integration process by informing policy through rigorous research and by building the human resource capacity the region needs.
Building on the success of the inaugural edition, the 2nd EACARNRI International Conference is jointly organized by EACARNRI and IUCEA, with the University of Nairobi joining as host and partner institution for the 2026 edition. The Conference brings together academics, policymakers, practitioners, and other stakeholders committed to advancing regional integration in East Africa, and provides a platform for dialogue, the exchange of research findings, and the shaping of the EAC integration agenda.
Conference Sub-themes
Authors are invited to submit abstracts and papers under the overall conference theme, aligned with one or more of the following sub-themes:
Economic Integration in the Context of AfCFTA
Maximizing the benefits of AfCFTA for intra-regional trade; infrastructure and logistics; and aligning national policies with regional integration objectives.
Digital Transformation and the Future of Regional Integration
Science, technology and innovation; cybersecurity, digital infrastructure and data governance; digital trade and e-commerce.
Regional Integration and Environmental Sustainability
Environmental sustainability in regional development policies; cooperation on climate change and biodiversity loss; green energy and sustainable infrastructure.
Political and Institutional Challenges
Regional governance and political will; sovereignty; conflict resolution; democracy, human rights and elections in East Africa.
Human Development and Social Cohesion
Cross-border education, health and social security; labor mobility; and inclusion of women, youth and marginalized groups.
Trade and Investment: The East African Single Market
A single market for goods, services and people; regional value chains; trade facilitation, customs and border policies.
Infrastructure Development: Bridging the Gap
Transport, energy and communications; regional financing models and partnerships; connecting rural and urban areas.
Collaborative Research and Innovation
Collaboration among East African universities and think tanks; innovation hubs; capacity building and knowledge-sharing.
Papers addressing other emerging dimensions of East African regional integration that are clearly connected to the overall conference theme are also welcome.
Who Should Submit
The Call is open to academics, researchers, policymakers, EAC officials, practitioners, regional integration experts, diplomats, postgraduate researchers, professionals, and other stakeholders working on issues relevant to East African regional integration.
Interdisciplinary and comparative contributions are particularly encouraged, as are papers that combine rigorous academic analysis with practical policy recommendations.
Funding: Due to limited financial resources, full funding covering travel and accommodation will be available to approximately sixteen (16) selected authors. Other selected authors will be invited to participate on a self-funded basis or virtually and will receive an official invitation letter and conference accreditation.
Co-authored papers: Funding will be provided to one author only. The funded author should be designated by mutual agreement among the co-authors. In the absence of such agreement, funding will be allocated to the first-listed author.
Submission Guidelines
- Abstracts should be submitted in English or French and should clearly indicate the sub-theme addressed.
- Include the paper title, author name(s), institutional affiliation(s), contact email, and up to five keywords.
- All submissions must be made online through the official Conference Google Form. Submissions through other channels will not be considered unless otherwise communicated by the Conference Secretariat.
- Authors of accepted abstracts will be notified and invited to submit full papers by the deadline below.
- Full papers should be original and not under review or published elsewhere.
Selection Process
Abstracts will be reviewed on the basis of their:
- Relevance to the conference theme and sub-themes;
- Originality and clarity of the proposed contribution;
- Methodological and analytical quality;
- Contribution to knowledge and/or policy on East African regional integration; and
- Potential to generate practical and evidence-based recommendations.
Authors of accepted abstracts will be invited to prepare and submit full papers and present their work at the Conference.
Important Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Opening of Call for Papers | 11 August 2026 |
| Webinar | 19 August 2026 |
| Deadline for Abstract Submission | 08 September 2026 |
| Notification of Acceptance | 22 September 2026 |
| Full Paper Submission | 22 October 2026 |
| Conference Dates | 04–05 November 2026 |
Publication Opportunities
The Conference is intended not only as a forum for scholarly exchange but also as a platform for translating research into policy and disseminating high-quality scholarship on regional integration.
Selected papers presented at the Conference will be considered for publication in the East African Community Journal on Regional Integration (EACARNRI Journal). Conference outputs are also expected to inform a policy brief and recommendations on sustainable regional integration in East Africa.
Selection for conference presentation does not automatically guarantee publication. Papers considered for publication will be subject to the applicable editorial and review requirements.
Ready to Submit Your Abstract?
Prepare your abstract in English or French, select the most relevant sub-theme, and complete the official online submission form by 08 September 2026.
Open Submission FormEnquiries
For questions regarding submissions or the Conference: