Call for Papers

Conference committees

The ICGSD is guided by its Board of Governors, Scientific Committee, Desktop Editors, PhD Hub Coordinators, Innovation Showcase team, and Organising Committee. Together, these groups comprise leading academics and professionals who ensure the highest standards of quality, oversee scientific contributions, coordinate research and innovation showcases, support young researchers, and manage the smooth organisation of the event.

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Founding Member

Prof Joseph Lekunze

NWU Business School

Chair ICGSD 2026

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Founding Member

Prof Joseph Sekhampu

NWU Business School

Member

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Founding Member

Dr Lerato Mdaka

North-West University

Co-Chair ICGSD 2026

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Founding Member

Dr Ronald Kwena

University of Kigali

Interim Chair of Board &
ICGSD 2026 Co-Chair

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Founding Member

Prof Felix Maringe

University of Kigali

Member

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Founding Member

Prof Wasajja Kiwanuka

University of Kigali

Member

read biography
Founding Member

Prof Richardson Shambare

University of Fort Hare

Member

read biography
Founding Member

Prof Tendai Chimucheka

University of Fort Hare

Co-Chair ICGSD 2026

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Founding Member

Prof Juliet Townes

University of Fort Hare

Member

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Non-Founding Member

Dr Sindi Mokgopha

Tshwane University of Technology

Co-Chair ICGSD 2026

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Non-Founding Member

Prof Philna Coetzee

Tshwane University of Technology

Member

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Scientific Committee

Dr Samuel Sindayigaya

Dr Samuel Sindayigaya

University of Kigali, Rwanda

Dr Musoni Wilson

Dr Musoni Wilson

University of Kigali, Rwanda

Dr Ronald Kwena

Dr Ronald Kwena

University of Kigali, Rwanda

Dr Martin Gachukia

Dr Martin Gachukia

University of Kigali, Rwanda

Prof Ogechi Adeola

Prof Ogechi Adeola

University of Kigali, Rwanda

Prof Tendai Chimucheka

Prof Tendai Chimucheka

University of Fort Hare, South Africa

Prof Olabanji Oni

Prof Olabanji Oni

University of Fort Hare, South Africa

Dr Juliet Townes

Dr Juliet Townes

University of Fort Hare, South Africa

Prof Joseph Lekunze

Prof Joseph Lekunze

NWU Business School, South Africa

Prof Emmanuel Mutambara

Prof Emmanuel Mutambara

NWU Business School

Ms Philadelphia Sedio

Ms Philadelphia Sedio

NWU Business School

Dr Khali Mofuoa

Dr Khali Mofuoa

NWU Business School

Ms Tebello Msimanga

Ms Tebello Msimanga

NWU Business School

Dr Mpumelelo Longweni

Dr Mpumelelo Longweni

North-West University, South Africa

Dr Lerato E. Mdaka

Dr Lerato E. Mdaka

North-West University, South Africa

Dr Sindi Mokgopha

Dr Sindi Mokgopha

Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa

Prof Philna Coetzee

Prof Philna Coetzee

Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa

Desktop Editors

  • Prof Juliet Townes: University of Fort Hare, South Africa (Chief editor)

  • Dr Mpumelelo Longweni: North-West University, South Africa (Deputy editor)

PhD HUB COORDINATORS

  • Prof Juliet Townes: University of Fort Hare, South Africa (Chief editor)

  • Dr Mpumelelo Longweni: North-West University, South Africa (Deputy editor)

InnovatION Showcase

  • Dr Theresa Lisita: North-West University Business School, South Africa

Organising committee

  • Mr Aaron Turamye: University of Kigali, Rwanda
  • CPA Dorcas Kamau: University of Kigali, Rwanda
  • Ms Ruth Mbabazi: University of Kigali, Rwanda
  • Ms Noella Ibarushintege: University of Kigali, Rwanda
  • Ms Aimee Agahozo: University of Kigali, Rwanda
  • Mr Godwins Osimbo: University of Kigali, Rwanda
  • Prof Joseph Sekhampu: North-West University Business School, South Africa 
  • Prof Joseph Lekunze: North-West University Business School, South Africa 
  • Ms Marli Moolman: North-West University Business School, South Africa 
  • Mrs Christine Bronkhorst: North-West University Business School, South Africa 
  • Ms Sophy Mogorosi: North-West University Business School, South Africa 
  • Mrs Mbali Skhosana: North-West University Business School, South Africa 
  • Dr Alexander Samuels: North-West University Business School, South Africa
  • Dr Theresa Lisita: North-West University Business School, South Africa
  • Prof Lerato Mdaka: North-West University Business School, South Africa 
Prof Joseph Nembo Lekunze

Prof Joseph Nembo Lekunze

North West University Business School

Prof JN Lekunze is a Research Associate Professor and the Deputy Director of Research and Innovation at the North-West University (NWU) Business School of South Africa. With a specialised focus on multidisciplinary research in the field of agricultural economics, organisational management, and resilience moderated by organisational sustainability, Entrepreneurship, Climate change, agribusiness strategy, and postgraduate education transformation in Africa. Prof. Lekunze has published over 40 articles in peer-reviewed journals, more than 30 international and local peer-reviewed conference papers, co-authored four chapters in books, and written one book. He has supervised and co-supervised over 35 master's dissertations and eight PhD dissertations and served as an external examiner for more than 20 master's dissertations and seven PhDs. He has reviewed programmes, guest speakers at international conferences, applications for academic promotion, and peer-reviewed journal publications, as well as served as a panel member, NRF applications reviewer, sessional chair, board member of a journal, Conference Scientific Committee Chair, Co-chair, and chair of international conferences.

Prof Joseph Sekhampu

Prof Joseph Sekhampu

North West University Business School

Chief Director, NWU Business School

Professor Joseph Sekhampu is an experienced academic leader and economist, currently serving as Chief Director of the North-West University Business School. His career spans teaching, research, and executive leadership, with a focus on higher education strategy, socioeconomic development, and public policy.

He is passionate about advancing inclusive growth and strengthening the role of universities in addressing real-world challenges. Prof. Sekhampu is widely recognised for his contributions to academic leadership and his commitment to building institutions that are both globally engaged and locally relevant. He is committed to mentoring the next generation of academic and policy leaders. His work reflects a deep belief in values-driven leadership and the transformative power of education.

Dr Lerato Mdaka

Dr Lerato Mdaka

North West University Business School

Dr Lerato E. Mdaka is an academic and researcher in management sciences, with a strong focus on sustainability and entrepreneurship. She completed her PhD in Business Sciences from the University of the Witwatersrand. She has spearheaded international T&L collaborations with institutions in Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America, facilitating global entrepreneurship and service-learning projects that enrich interdisciplinary student experiences.

Dr Mdaka is an internationally recognised researcher, with collaborations spanning Sub-Saharan Africa, the UK, and India. She is the African Region Chair of the Academy of Business and Emerging Markets (ABEM) and contributes to various scientific and ethics committees. A current editorial board member for the Journal of Financial and Management Sciences her research interests intersect digital transformation, innovation, and sustainable entrepreneurship, supported by the NRF Early-Stage Research Grant and CSIR-DSI Inter-Programme Grant.

A dynamic leader, Dr Mdaka drives entrepreneurship ecosystems through mentoring, Enactus initiatives, and strategic partnerships. Her industry engagement projects reflect her commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She’s impact her been recognised through various awards including the NWU Teaching Excellence Award (2022) and NWU Community Engagement Award (2023), ENACTUS National administrator of the year (2021), ENACTUS Faculty Advisor of the year (2022), and NWU Research Excellence Awards (2022; 2023).

Dr Ronald Kwena

Dr Ronald Kwena

University of Kigali

Dr Ronald Kwena is the Associate Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Enterprise at the University of Kigali, Rwanda. A seasoned academic leader and Sustainable development-oriented researcher, Dr. Kwena has previously served as Director of Research and Innovation and Dean of the Graduate School. He holds a PhD in Project Management and brings over 15 years of experience in higher education, research governance, and institutional capacity building across Africa.  Dr Kwena also contributed to various projects in different capacities; including Climate adaptation related research in Nationally Determined Contributions for SME capacity building.

Dr Kwena currently serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Financial and Management Sciences and chair of the International Conference on Green and Sustainable Development 2025. His work focuses on strengthening research ecosystems, fostering public-private partnerships, and advancing innovation within higher education institutions.

He has led strategic initiatives to align university research with Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST1), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. A strong advocate for academic collaboration and mentorship, Dr. Kwena is actively engaged in supporting early-career researchers, promoting interdisciplinary research, and driving evidence-based policy through applied scholarship.

Prof Felix Maringe

Prof Felix Maringe

University of Kigali

Felix Maringe is a full Professor of Higher Education and DVC for Research, Innovation and Enterprise at the University of Kigali. He has supervised 30 Doctoral students to completion in South Africa, the UK and in Zimbabwe. He previously held substantial leadership positions as Deputy Dean for Internationalization and Partnerships at the Faculty of Humanities at the University of the Witwatersrand and as Head of the Wits School of Education. He researches in areas of international education and leadership.

Prof Wasajja Kiwanuka

Prof Wasajja Kiwanuka

University of Kigali

Professor of Language and Communication 
Director, Centre for Modern Languages, University of Kigali, Rwanda 

Prof. Prince Wasajja Kiwanuka is a respected scholar and academic leader with a notable career in Language and Communication. He currently serves as a Professor and Director of the Centre for Modern Languages at the University of Kigali, Rwanda. His work combines academic theory with practical application, focusing on improving language education, intercultural communication, and scholarly excellence in higher education.

Prof. Kiwanuka has published over 40 peer-reviewed articles in international journals and conference proceedings and authored 10 academic textbooks, making a significant contribution to global discussions in language, education, culture, and communication studies. His research is frequently cited and has influenced teaching practices across various educational systems.

He is a member of several prominent academic and professional organizations in Africa, Australia, the USA, and Europe, showing his active engagement in global higher education. Notably, he serves as the Regional Director (East Africa) for the International Quality Assurance for Higher Education (USA) and is an Executive Board Member of the International Approval and Registration Centre for Quality Education (UK & Australia).

Prof. Kiwanuka is also a respected peer reviewer and member of editorial boards for various international journals in Education and Language, where he plays a key role in shaping academic standards and supporting new scholarship.

Prof Richardson Shambare

Prof Richardson Shambare

University of Fort Hare

Richard Shambare is a C3 NRF Rated Professor of Entrepreneurship and Marketing. He currently is serving as the Dean of the Faculty of Management and Commerce at the University of Fort Hare. A leading scholar in the area of Entrepreneurship-Marketing Interface (EMI), Prof. Shambare’s research explores topics at the intersection of marketing and entrepreneurship including the marketing activities mediated through digital and social media technologies, the psychology of entrepreneurship, and microfinance. He has published extensively in international journals as well as presented papers at both national and international conferences. Prof. Shambare also supervises postgraduate students in these areas. 

Prof Tendai Chimucheka

Prof Tendai Chimucheka

University of Fort Hare

Tendai Chimucheka is an Associate Professor in the Department of Business Innovations and Entrepreneurship at the University of Fort Hare, South Africa. He is an expert in Business Management with research interests in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management, Strategic Management, Marketing Management and Human Resources Management among other Business Management areas. Tendai Chimucheka is an NRF Rated Researcher, and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA), UK.

He has more than 10 years teaching and research experience at university level. To date, he has published more than forty (40) articles in peer reviewed journals. He has also published book chapters and papers in conference proceedings.

Prof Juliet Townes

Prof Juliet Townes

University of Fort Hare

Associate Professor Juliet Townes holds a PhD in Industrial Psychology from Nelson Mandela University (2019), with multiple professional certifications in psychological assessments, training, and moderation, including registration as an Independent Psychometrist with the HPCSA. Her academic and professional qualifications provide a robust platform for work in psychological resilience, employee well-being, leadership development, and human capital management. Her extensive supervisory experience highlights her commitment to capacity building and embedding resilience and well-being themes across academic levels and disciplines. Prof. Juliet Townes stands out as a productive mid-career scholar with a sustained and focused research agenda. As a policy-engaged academic, her work on selection, leadership, and resilience is shaping workforce and education reform. She is a transdisciplinary thinker, integrating industrial psychology, leadership, HRM, and resilience, and she is a recognised supervisor and mentor with a growing pipeline of postgraduate researchers.

Dr Sindi Mokgopha

Dr Sindi Mokgopha

Tshwane University of Technology

Dr Sindi Mokgopha is a dedicated lecturer and researcher whose expertise lies in Green Cities Financing, Public Policy, Sustainable Education, Sustainable Environment, Community Participation and Climate Change. Her academic work is driven by a deep commitment to sustainability, both in the natural environment and within education systems. Dr. Mokgopha’s research focuses on developing policy frameworks that integrate climate resilience, sustainable urban development, and educational transformation.

She is particularly passionate about promoting academic integrity and quality assurance in teaching and learning. Her work explores how educational institutions can adopt innovative, ethical, and sustainable practices that not only meet present needs but also ensure long-term impact. Through her interdisciplinary approach, she contributes to shaping forward-looking policies that bridge the gap between environmental stewardship and education reform.

As an advocate for sustainability in all dimensions of public life, Dr Mokgopha plays an active role in aligning local initiatives with global development agendas, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Her scholarship and teaching are rooted in the belief that education and sustainability are mutually reinforcing pillars of resilient societies. Through impactful research, she empowers decision-makers and educators to create greener, more equitable futures.

Prof Philna Coetzee

Prof Philna Coetzee

Tshwane University of Technology

Prof Coetzee has been lecturing to both undergraduate and graduate external and internal audit programmes. She has developed numerous programmes at various universities in these fields, including the flagship MPhil in Internal Auditing at the University of Pretoria, financially supported by ABSA, and in collaboration with Erasmus University in the Netherlands and the GIBS Business School. She is an NRF rated researcher, with risk management and internal auditing as her mainstream topics. She has supervised Masters and Doctoral students to completion and has published over 50 academic research papers. She was the founder of two inter-university research groups, leading to many successes such as members obtained NRF status, and staff obtained their Masters or Doctorate degrees. Most of her research is pragmatic, resulting in either the private or the public sector providing support for the research, with reports serving at various professional body platforms and the South African Parliament. During her career, she has won numerous prized for teaching and learning as well as research. Apart from her academic work, she has consulted to both private and public sector organisations on aspects of internal auditing and risk management. She has hold various managerial positions in her 34 years in academia, such as leading the Centre of Internal Audit Excellence at the University of Pretoria and the Deputy Executive Dean at UNISA. Currently she is consulting the Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Finance at the Tshwane University of Technology on research activities.