In a historic first for the African continent, the University of Cape Town (UCT) will host the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World Academic Summit, cementing its place as a leader in global higher education and research excellence.

The summit, themed “Knowledge, Justice and Futures: Universities in the Age of Intelligence,” will take place from 29 September to 1 October 2026, in partnership with the University of Bristol (UoB) — UCT’s long-standing strategic collaborator.

The announcement was made at this year’s summit held at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia. The 2026 edition marks the first time in THE’s history that its flagship global event will be held on African soil — a symbolic milestone that underscores Africa’s growing influence in shaping the global academic and innovation landscape.

UCT, which consistently ranks among the world’s top universities, described the opportunity as both an honour and a responsibility. The event will provide a platform to showcase Africa’s intellectual heritage, innovation ecosystems, and leadership in addressing global challenges, including climate change, health equity, and digital transformation.

“Hosting this summit is not only an honour for UCT but for Africa as a whole,” said Professor Mosa Moshabela, UCT Vice-Chancellor. “It signals that our universities are not just participants in the global knowledge economy — we are co-authors of its future.”

Professor Moshabela added that the summit’s theme closely aligns with UCT’s Strategy 2030, which positions the institution as a transformative, socially responsive university that leverages excellence for impact.

The 2026 World Academic Summit will bring together university presidents, policy leaders, and industry innovators from across the globe to explore how universities can remain relevant and accountable amid rapid technological and social change.

Key discussions will address artificial intelligence, ethical technology, sustainability, global justice, and the future of academic collaboration. UCT and the University of Bristol plan to spotlight collaborative research models and knowledge systems grounded in inclusivity and ethics, themes deeply relevant to the African higher education context.

Each year, the THE World Academic Summit provides an influential stage for institutions to shape dialogue on the future of higher education. By hosting the 2026 edition, UCT will position Africa as a central voice in the global conversation on knowledge equity and the role of universities in advancing humanity in the age of intelligence.

The event is expected to draw hundreds of global delegates and reinforce Africa’s commitment to building a just, innovative, and interconnected academic future.

 

Article by RB Correspondent

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https://www.news.uct.ac.za/article/-2025-10-09-uct-to-host-first-ever-the-summit-in-africa