Faculty of Business and Management Sciences

Date: October 16th-17th, 2025 

Venue: University of Nairobi Towers

Hybrid Version: Both Physical and Virtual 

CALL FOR SUBMISSION OF ABSTRACTS AND FULL PAPERS

THEME: “Upscaling Research, Innovation, and Enterprise Development" 

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

The Department of Business Administration - Africa Management Review (DBA-AMR) International Conference is a premier forum for researchers, practitioners, and thought leaders focused on advancing business and management knowledge relevant to African contexts. The 2025 conference will examine "Upscaling Research, Innovation, and Enterprise Development," exploring how African organizations can enhance research capabilities, foster innovation, and accelerate enterprise growth in the dynamic African business environment.

CONFERENCE THEME

The theme "Upscaling Research, Innovation, and Enterprise Development" invites exploration of approaches, strategies, and frameworks that can elevate African business research, stimulate innovation in African contexts, and promote sustainable enterprise development across the continent. We welcome contributions that address theoretical advancements, practical applications, and policy implications related to this theme.

SUB-THEMES

Submissions are invited on the following sub-themes, though relevant papers beyond these specific areas will also be considered: 

1. Strategic Innovation and Competitive Advantage 

• Strategic Agility for Innovation and Competitive Advantage 

• Research-Driven Strategy Formulation in Dynamic Environments and Sustainable Strategy Practices for Emerging Markets 

2. Innovation Ecosystems and Entrepreneurial Development 

• University-Industry Linkages for Innovation Commercialization 

• Innovation Ecosystems and Entrepreneurial Growth, Digital Platforms and Disruptive Innovation in Entrepreneurship in Africa 

3. Enterprise Financing and Workforce Development 

•  Financing Innovation and Entrepreneurial Ventures, Upskilling and Reskilling for Enterprise Competitiveness 

•  Talent Management for Innovation and Enterprise Growth 

4. Digital Transformation and Human Resource Strategy 

•  The Future of Work: HR Strategies in a Digital Age 

•  Strategic HRM for Sustainable Enterprise Development 

5. Risk Management and Insurance Innovation 

•  Innovations in Risk Analytics and Enterprise Risk Management, Digital Insurance and Risk Transfer Mechanisms 

•  Cyber Risk and InsurTech: Challenges and Opportunities 

6. AI-Driven Marketing and Business Analytics 

•  Data-Driven Marketing for Strategic Enterprise Growth 

•  Leveraging AI in Marketing Innovation and Marketing Analytics for Business Development 

7. Global Networks and Cross-Border Enterprise Strategy 

•  Global Innovation Networks and Cross-Border Enterprise Growth 

•  Trade Policies, Innovation and Cross-Border Enterprises 

8. International Collaboration and Supply Chain Management 

• Global Supply Chains and Strategic Risk Management 

• International Collaboration in Research and Enterprise Innovation

IMPORTANT DATES

• Abstract Submission Deadline: July 31, 2025

• Notification of Acceptance: August 25, 2025

• Full Paper Submission: September 15, 2025

• Notification of Full Paper Acceptance: Sep 25, 2025

• Deadline for registration (all participants): Oct 5, 2025

• Conference Dates: October 16th and 17th, 2025

Conference Registration Fee

University of Nairobi Undergraduate students Ksh 600

University of Nairobi Post-graduate students Ksh 1,500 (Masters), Ksh 2,500 (PhD)

University of Nairobi Staff Ksh 1,200

Participants from East Africa Ksh 5,000

Participants from Outside East Africa USD 50

SUBMISSION TYPES

1. Full Research Papers (8-12 pages): Completed research with theoretical foundation, methodology, findings, and conclusions.

2. Practitioner Insights (6-8 pages): Evidence-based experiences from industry professionals addressing practical challenges and solutions.

3. PhD Colloquium Submissions (4-6 pages): Research proposals/Work in Progress from PhD students seeking mentorship and guidance.
    

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

1. Format Requirements:
    

   • Papers must be submitted in PDF format

   • Use Times New Roman, 12-point font, double-spaced

   • Follow APA 7th edition referencing style

   • Include an abstract of 300 words maximum

   • Include 3-5 keywords

   • All submissions must be in English

2. Submission Process:
    

   • All papers must be submitted through the conference submission system at [submission link]

   • Each paper will undergo a double-blind peer review process

   • At least one author of each accepted paper must register for the conference

3. Selection Criteria:
    

   • Relevance to the conference theme and African business context

   • Theoretical/conceptual foundation and contribution

   • Methodological rigor

   • Originality and innovativeness

   • Practical implications for African businesses

   • Quality of writing and presentation

PUBLICATION OPPORTUNITIES

• Selected papers will be invited to publish in the DBA-Africa Management Review Journal Special Conference Edition

• Conference abstracts to be published in a special edition of the “Book of Abstracts”

• Eligible for best paper awards in various categories

SPECIAL SESSIONS

The conference will feature special sessions including:

• PhD Colloquium

• Industry-Academia Roundtables

• Research Seminar Workshop

CONTACT INFORMATION

For inquiries regarding submissions, please contact: lydiahnyaboe@uonbi.ac.ke

For general conference information: [Conference website] [dept-busadmin@uonbi.ac.ke]

We look forward to your contributions and to welcoming you to the DBA-AMR Conference 2025!