CFP

EMBATCON-2026: Emerging Markets Battery Conference

Strathmore University

Nairobi, Kenya, August 26-28, 2026

Conference website	http://batteryemergingmarkets.org
Early Bird Registration Open	April 7, 2026
Early Bird Registration Deadline	May 11, 2026
Abstract registration deadline	May 18, 2026
Submission deadline	May 18, 2026
Standard Registration Deadline	July 27, 2026

Topics: battery materials and critical minerals cell and pack manufacturing mobility and stationary applications recycling and circular economy

We believe that the next era of global wealth won’t be written in oil, but in ions. Batteries are already rewiring and reshaping emerging economies in profound ways. This revolution has largely gone unnoticed and absent from major global battery fora - that is, until now! EMBATCON-2026 is the inaugural event of a new conference series titled Emerging Markets Battery Conference that is dedicated to showcasing major developments in the battery sector in emerging economy countries. The event will bring together 300 delegates, predominantly from the Global South, on a single-minded mission to rewrite the story of batteries in emerging economies.

This conference series is set to be the annual flagship forum for all architects of the battery revolution in emerging economy countries. The scope of the conference spans the entire battery value chain: critical minerals; discoveries and innovations in battery materials; cell manufacturing; battery pack assembly and system integration; electric vehicle applications; grid-scale and other stationary applications; recycling and circular economy; battery safety and standards; and policies and investment. The conference brings together the sector's finest minds to exchange knowledge at the frontier of battery science and technology, share best practice, innovate solutions to overcome sector challenges, and to create new opportunities to advance the electrification agenda of the Global South. To reflect its regional scope, the conference venue will rotate annually among emerging economy countries.

We warmly invite researchers, academics, industry experts, innovators, and policymakers to submit abstracts of original research (papers, case studies, etc.) for oral or poster presentation at EMBATCON-2026. This inaugural international conference, dedicated to advancing the nascent battery ecosystems of emerging markets, addresses key thematic areas across the battery value chain of most relevance to emerging markets. Participants will engage with current challenges, technological breakthroughs, and strategic opportunities shaping the future of battery innovation and sustainable energy systems in emerging markets.

Are you a researcher, engineer, entrepreneur, investor, business leader, policymaker, or even just plain curious about batteries? Come to EMBATCON-2026 and together let us fuel the battery revolution that will power our economies and prosperity. We look forward to hosting you at EMBATCON-2026!

Conference Themes, Tracks and Structure

Main Theme

Batteries: Circuiting the Future of Emerging Economies

Sub Themes

Battery minerals, local processing, and industrialisation
Battery Materials and Electrochemistry
Next-Generation Batteries
Cell Manufacturing
Pack Manufacturing, Scale-Up, and Quality Control
Battery Safety, Testing, and Standards
Recycling, Sustainability, and Circular Economy
Modeling, AI, and Digitalization
Applications: EVs, Grid Storage, and Emerging Uses
Commercialisation, Start-ups, and Investment
Policy, Markets, and Supply Chains

Conference Tracks

Track A: Battery Materials, Modelling and Simulation
- Battery materials and electrochemistry, multiscale modelling, physics-based and data-driven models.
Track B: Battery Testing and Safety
- Performance testing - cycling, state of health, etc; safety testing – abuse testing and certification, thermal runaway, battery management systems, etc.
Track C: Battery Applications in Emerging Markets
- Stationary applications - mini-grids, grid storage, telecoms, residential, etc; mobile applications – Evs, EV charging infrastructure, aviation, and maritime.
Track D: Next-Generation Batteries
- Solid-state, sodium-ion, potassium-ion, multivalent and hybrid systems
Track E: Batteries and Start-ups
- Industry and start-up pitches.
Track F: End-of-Life Management
- Recycling, second-life batteries, environmental performance.
Panel 1: Battery Standards, Regulations, and Policies
- Safety standards and enforcement, grid-scale storage risks, EV battery safety in hot climates, hazardous chemicals.
Panel2: Emerging Markets Vision for Batteries
- Local manufacturing, green industrialisation, battery supply chains and geopolitics, energy access, renewable energy, incentives and regulatory frameworks.

Conference Structure

Day1: Pre-Conference Battery School
Day 2: Battery Fundamentals, Testing, Safety, and Applications in Emerging Economies
Day 3: Sustainability, Standards and Policy

Paper Preparation Guidelines

All papers must be original and not simultaneously published in a journal or another conference. The following paper categories are welcome:

Oral Presentations

Selected talks will be 15 minutes long plus 5 minutes Q&A.
They will comprise a mixture of early-career researchers, senior researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers.
Please ensure that your submission addresses the evaluation criteria set out below.
Prizes will be available for early-career researchers.

Posters

There will be space for up to 100 posters (A0 size).
Successful poster applicants will be expected to bring their poster in-person and also send a digital version in advance to be added to the conference app for registered delegates to access.
Poster prizes will be available for early-career researchers.

Evaluation of Abstract Submissions

All submissions will be evaluated for selection according to the following criteria:

Scientific Merit and Rigor: Are the methods, study design, or approach appropriate for the research question? Is the analysis sound?
Significance and Impact: Does the work provide substantial advancements, practical applications, or policy implications?
Originality and Innovation: Does the abstract offer new findings, innovative approaches, or novel insights?
Relevance to Conference Theme: How well does the topic align with the conference goals and audience?
Clarity and Structure: Is the abstract well-organized, concise, and easy to understand? Are the background, methodology, and conclusion clearly stated?
Results Presentation: Are the findings specifically described?

Committees

Conference Secretariat

Dr Elvis Shoko (Conference Manager), Founder and Managing Partner at Afrionics Energy Ltd.
Professor Ghulam Ali (Speaker and Programme Manager), National University of Science and Technology, Pakistan.
Engr. Dr. Julius Butime (Industry Collaboration Manager), Strathmore University, Kenya.
Dr Rudolph Kashinga (Delegate Relations Manager), The Copperbelt University, Zambia.
Dr Ikechukwu I. Ayogu (Technology and Operations Manager), ACE-FUELS, FUTO, Nigeria.
Dr Enzoh Langi (Volunteer Coordination Manager), The Copperbelt University, Zambia.
Dr Najib Hussain (Contracts and Services Manager), UiTM, Malaysia.
David Kimathi (Marketing & Communications Manager), Strathmore University, Kenya.
Stephen Y. Ntiamoah (Finance Manager), UENR, Ghana.
Chitha Msowoya (Fundraising Manager), Mzuzu University, Malawi.

Local Organizing committee

Dr. Julius Butime, Strathmore University
Neema Oribo, Strathmore University
Daniel Simiyu, Strathmore University
Serena Cheres, Strathmore University
Regina Kithuka, Strathmore University
David Kimathi, Strathmore University

Invited Speakers

Professor Emeka Oguzie, Professor of Physical Chemistry and Deputy Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria. He is also the Center Leader of the Africa Center of Excellence in Future Energies & Electrochemical Systems (ACE-FUELS).
Professor Ghulam Ali, award-winning Professor of Materials Science at the National University of Science & Technology (NUST), Pakistan. He is also the Head of Research at the US-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Energy.
Professor Mkhulu Mathe, Distinguished Professor of Energy Materias, Energy Catalytic Niche Area, School of Engineering and Built Environment (SEBE), College of Science Engineering and Technology (CSET), University of South Africa.

Publication

A Book of Abstracts will be published.

Venue

Strathmore University, Nairobi, Kenya

Contact

All questions about submissions should be emailed to: conferences@batteryemergingmarkets.org