MAAAS 2026 Conference
Mid-America Alliance for African Studies (MAAAS) Conference 2026
Global Africa: Philosophy, Technology & Society
October 9–10, 2026
Plaster Student Union
Missouri State University – Springfield, MO
About the Conference
The Mid-America Alliance for African Studies (MAAAS), in collaboration with the Kansas African Studies Center at the University of Kansas, will hold its 2026 conference at Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri on October 9–10, 2026.
Although scholars are invited to submit proposals for individual papers or panels on any topic related to Africana Studies, we especially welcome contributions that address the conference theme:
Global Africa: Philosophy, Technology & Society
In the face of global upheaval, what is Africa’s role and its future?
Through examination of African philosophical constructs and technological advances within national and ethnonational societies, this conference explores how Africans have secured and may continue to secure their wellbeing and development at home and within the global context.
As multinational alliances involving African nations are being reconfigured, this conference examines Africa’s historical and current placement in these alignments and how African philosophical and technological responses may shape and influence the future of Africa and the Diaspora.
Scholars from all disciplines engaged in Africana Studies are invited to participate.
Call for Proposals
Interested scholars should submit:
- A 250-word abstract (individual paper), or
- A 250-word panel description
Submission Deadline: July 15, 2026
Submit to:MAAASpp@gmail.com
Registration is required to present.
For full proposal details, see the official Call for Papers:
MAAAS 2026 Call For Papers Final
Registration & Membership Information
Conference and membership fees are as follows:
Early Conference Registration (by August 25)
- $40 – Faculty
- $15 – Graduate Students & Independent Scholars
Late Conference Registration (after August 25)
- $60 – Faculty
- $25 – Graduate Students & Independent Scholars
MAAAS Membership Fees
- $20 – Faculty
- $15 – Graduate Students & Independent Scholars
Faculty presenters must pay both the conference registration and membership fee.
Graduate Student and Independent Scholar presenters must pay the conference registration fee. Membership is optional but strongly encouraged.
To register:
- Complete the Registration Form
- Email it to maaaspp@gmail.com
- Pay online via PayPal through the Registration Tab
Your registration includes:
- Lunch – October 9
- Lunch – October 10
- Dinner – October 9 (6:30–9:00 PM at Grace Kitchen, 431 S Jefferson Ave, Springfield, MO)
For full registration details, see:
MAAAS Registration Online 2026
Conference Co-Sponsors
MAAAS Conference 2026 is co-sponsored by:
- Mid-America Alliance for African Studies (MAAAS)
- Kansas African Studies Center, University of Kansas
- Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences & Humanities
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Missouri State University
Contact Information
For conference inquiries:
Anatole Balma
MAAAS President (2026)
Email: banatole24@gmail.com
For registration questions:
Jamaine Abidogun
MAAAS Secretary-Treasurer
Email: maaaspp@gmail.com