Esomar to hold Africa 2027 conference in Casablanca

Esomar will bring its 2027 Africa conference, BORN AHEAD, to Casablanca from 18-20 April 2027, with a call for speakers now open. The event will spotlight African research, innovation and new awards aimed at elevating the continent’s insights community globally.

Why it matters: - BORN AHEAD is designed to connect Africa’s insights community with a broader global audience. - The conference aims to elevate African research, innovation and business impact across the continent. - The event adds a new regional awards platform for research and insights work in Africa.

What happened: - Esomar announced Esomar Africa 2027 BORN AHEAD on 13 October 2026. - The conference will take place 18-20 April 2027 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Casablanca City Centre in Casablanca, Morocco. - Esomar is now accepting speaker proposals for the event. - The speaker submission deadline is 22 November.

The details: - The three-day conference will bring together researchers, business leaders, brands, entrepreneurs and innovators from Africa and around the world. - The programme will focus on African research and insights, including AI, technology, mobile-first research, cultural intelligence, consumer behaviour and emerging methodologies. - Speakers and case studies will represent markets across North, West, East, Central and Southern Africa. - The event will open on 18 April with a community day. - The main conference programme will run 19-20 April. - The agenda will include keynote presentations, case studies, panel discussions and networking. - The Esomar Africa Regional Awards will recognise outstanding research, innovation, individuals and businesses from across the continent. - The programme is being developed by a committee of insights professionals from Tanzania, South Africa, Kenya, Morocco and Nigeria, alongside Esomar Council member Harald Hasselmann. - The committee includes Judith Mwombeki, Anoushka Rademeyer, Edna Thiong’o, Nabil Abouzaid, Sophia Ukoni, Narjiss Cheikh Abbou and Daniel Oseman. - Organisations interested in sponsorship or exhibition opportunities can contact business@esomar.org. - More information is available on Esomar’s website.

Between the lines: - Esomar is positioning Africa as a source of ideas that can influence the wider global insights industry. - The call for speakers suggests the organisation wants the programme shaped by practitioners working across the continent, not only imported expertise. - The regional awards point to a broader push to formalise recognition for African work in research and innovation.

What's next: - Esomar will announce additional details about the conference programme, speakers and awards in the coming months. - Speaker submissions remain open until 22 November. - Sponsorship and exhibition discussions are now open for interested organisations.

The bottom line: - Esomar is turning its 2027 Africa conference into a showcase for African-led insights, with Casablanca as the hub for the conversation.