The Event
Digital transformation in Africa is a highly relevant reality, being framed at the highest level of decision-making. The following should be highlighted: a digital strategy for Africa is on the agenda; most countries on the African continent have already adopted ICT policies; the vast majority of countries on the African continent have harmonised and regulated the different sectors of economic activity; the availability and growing use by citizens of mobile devices with internet access; the sustainable growth of the internet across the continent, from a modest 4.5 million users in 2000 to more than 600 million users in 2025, with a forecast of over 800 million users by 2030; the African continent has an estimated population of over 1.5 billion in 2025, with an average age of less than 19, growing rapidly and expected to reach 2 billion by 2040.
The African continent offers immense opportunities for the private sector, investors and entrepreneurs in general, across all sectors, namely through the existence of a legal and institutional framework for continent-wide coordination of a digital agenda; through an international effort to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of legislative bodies and regulatory and qualification agencies for digital transformation on the continent; through ongoing actions aimed at regional harmonisation of payment systems; through the integration of trade at the continental level and the promotion of digital transactions; through the ongoing digital transformation, aimed at implementing the Fintech system at the continental level; and through the integration of several million citizens and businesses that do not yet have access to the internet, energy or banking services.
The European Union is the main partner in the development of the economy, science, technology, the energy system, scientific and technological research, innovation, trade and investment on the African continent. The effects of externalities that may result from economic activities carried out in the European Union and Africa directly influence both markets.
The Partnership for Development Institute – PARCERIA, founded on 4 August 1995 in Lisbon, has the following main objectives: promotion and development of science, technology, innovation and the digital economy; business and energy system development and innovation. The Scientific, Technological and Business Council of PARCERIA – made up of eminent figures, company representatives and experts in science, technology and innovation – as one of the statutory bodies of PARCERIA, contributes to the definition and selection of initiatives that contribute to the fulfilment of the Institute's objectives.
It is in this context that, with the organisation of the Partnership for Development Institute – PARCERIA, an international event entitled University Symposium will take place in Lisbon from 20 to 27 June 2026. This event has three components: an International Conference entitled Basalt Conference, from 22 to 24 June 2026, on the theme «Agrominerals in the Sustainable Development of Agriculture and Basalt Fibre in Industrial Innovation»; an International Forum entitled University Business Forum, from 25 to 27 June 2026, on the theme «The role of Universities in the development of the Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship and their impact on the Development of International Trade and Tourism»; and an Exhibition entitled Sites and Monuments, from 20 to 27 June 2026.
This exhibition will highlight sites classified as World Heritage Sites, while also integrating various other sectors, with an emphasis on businesses, universities, travel and tourism agencies, the agri-food sector with export potential, technology and innovation, spin-offs, start-ups, deep tech and entrepreneurship. An integral part of this component of the event is an internship and recruitment fair where young university students and employers will meet. In parallel, there will be B2B meetings (business rounds) between companies, as well as pitch sessions. Each component has a specific programme.