The AfriCHI 2027 Case Studies Track invites submissions describing the design, implementation, adaptation and evaluation of products, services, systems and technologies in real-world settings, with particular relevance to African people, places and communities. We welcome contributions that demonstrate how Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), design, AI and digital innovation are applied to address practical challenges, improve services, create opportunities and generate learning through implementation.
Aligned with the conference theme, People, Place, and Possibilities: Designing Plural African Futures with Dignity and Agency, the track recognises that meaningful innovation is shaped by people, place and lived realities. We particularly welcome contributions that demonstrate contextual intelligence, practical impact, thoughtful reflection and reciprocal learning.
The track encourages knowledge exchange in both directions: adapting global ideas, technologies and approaches to African contexts (Global → Africa) while showcasing innovations inspired by, designed for, targeted at, or emerging from African contexts that can inform, challenge and inspire research and practice elsewhere (Africa → Global).
Scope & Areas of Interest
What are we looking for?
We welcome submissions that document the design, implementation, deployment, adaptation, evaluation or evolution of products, services, systems or technologies in real-world settings. Submissions should present more than a description of a project, product or technology. They should describe a genuine intervention, explain the context in which it was developed or deployed, reflect on key decisions, provide appropriate evidence of outcomes where available, and share lessons that others can adapt, build upon or challenge. We welcome work at different stages of maturity, including:
The emphasis is less on the maturity of a solution than on the quality of its implementation, the evidence presented, the learning generated and the value of the insights shared.
What makes a strong submission?
Strong submissions typically:
Example Areas of Interest
Examples include:
Who Should Submit?
We welcome submissions from researchers, industry professionals, designers, engineers, product teams, startups, public-sector organisations, NGOs, community organisations, independent practitioners and students.
We particularly encourage collaborations that bring together research and practice, recognising that many impactful innovations emerge through partnerships across disciplines, sectors and communities.
Submission Model & Guidance
Submissions should be prepared as extended abstracts using the official ACM Primary Article Template (single-column format), approximately 4–8 pages excluding references.
Authors should follow the AfriCHI 2027 submission instructions and ACM formatting requirements.
Templates & Author Resources
Submissions should clearly describe:
Further submission details and formatting guidance will be available on the AfriCHI 2027 website.
Ethical & Responsible Submission
Authors should ensure that submissions comply with ACM publication policies and demonstrate responsible research and innovation practices.
Where appropriate, submissions should consider:
Authors should follow current ACM publication and authorship policies, including guidance relating to the use of generative AI.
Review Process
Submissions will undergo peer review by a multidisciplinary programme committee comprising researchers and practitioners from academia, industry, startups, government and community organisations.
In preparing your submission, you should demonstrate:
Contextual Relevance: A clear understanding of the people, place, organisations and communities for which the work was undertaken, showing how context shaped both the challenge and the approach.
Approach, Evidence & Impact: A well-considered approach to the design, implementation, deployment or evaluation of the work, supported by appropriate evidence of outcomes or value. Evidence may be qualitative, quantitative or mixed-methods, depending on the nature and maturity of the work.
Reflection & Learning: Honest reflection on key decisions, challenges, trade-offs and lessons learned, together with insights that others can reasonably adapt, build upon or apply in different contexts.
Contribution to African & Global HCI Practice: A clear contribution to Human-Computer Interaction through practical implementation, contextual innovation or knowledge exchange within and beyond African contexts.
Responsible & Inclusive Practice: Appropriate consideration of ethical, inclusive and sustainable practices throughout the work. All submissions will receive constructive feedback intended to support authors and strengthen both the submitted work and the wider HCI community.
Presentation & Publication
Accepted submissions will be presented as part of the AfriCHI 2027 Case Studies Track.
At least one author of each accepted submission must register for the conference and present the work.
Accepted papers will be published in the ACM Digital Library as part of the AfriCHI 2027 Proceedings, subject to ACM publication requirements.
Important Dates
| Activity | Date |
| Case Studies submission deadline | 17 Jan 2027 |
| Notification to authors | 21 Feb 2027 |
| Camera-ready submission | 15 Apr 2027 |
| Conference | 28 Jun – 2 Jul 2027 |
Further Resources
