The Global Mental Health Africa Conference 2027 invites abstracts from researchers, practitioners, innovators, policymakers, and people with lived experience across Africa and globally. Abstracts should focus on advancing mental health knowledge, innovation, and solutions that are contextually grounded and relevant to African settings.   

Abstract Themes  

Abstracts should align with one or more of the following conference themes: 

• Expanding Access to Quality Mental Health Care: This theme emphasises a broad range of platforms of care (including traditional and faith healing, task sharing, primary care integration, digital health approaches), care for specific populations and contexts (including youth mental health, chronic conditions and conflict settings), cultural understandings of mental health and culturally responsive care, scale sustainability; and resilient systems, measurement and evidence of quality and impact. 
• Leadership, Power, and Lived Experience in Mental Health: This theme emphasises co-production and participation, lived experience leadership, shifting power, facilitating and recognising diverse perspectives, capacity-building, advocacy, youth leadership, family and caregiver empowerment.    
• Policy, Financing, and Global Advocacy for Systems Change: This theme emphasises translating evidence into policy and practice; policy reform; mental health and brain capital, sustainable financing; reimagined funding models and systems strengthening.   
• Innovations and Frontiers in African Mental Health Research: This theme emphasises policy-relevant and locally African-led research, innovation, implementation research, and emerging approaches advancing mental health.

(Note: Submitters may submit for up to 2 themes with separate submissions for both.) 

Eligibility

Abstracts may be submitted by: 

• Researchers, academics, and scholars (including early-career researchers and students) 
• Mental health practitioners (e.g., psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors, social workers, community health workers) 
• Policymakers and government officials (national, county, and local levels) 
• People with lived and living experience (PWLE), including individuals with personal experience of mental health conditions, caregivers, family members, and peer advocates.
• Civil society organizations and non-governmental organisations (local, national, and international) 
• Community leaders and grassroots organizations (including faith-based and traditional leaders) 
• Development partners and multilateral institutions 
• Funders and philanthropic organisations 
• Private sector actors and social enterprises (including digital health and innovation hubs)

Abstract Format  

• Language: English/ French 
• Word Limit: Maximum 300 words 
• PDF Format 

Presentation Formats

Submitted abstracts will be considered depending on the quality of the submission, its relevance to the conference themes, and the need to ensure overall programme balance. As part of the submission process, applicants will have the opportunity to indicate their preferred presentation format by selecting one of the following options:

• Oral presentation only 
• Poster presentation only 
• Either oral or poster presentation

Proposed Structure 

• Context: Briefly describe the problem or gap addressed.  
• Objectives: State the purpose of your study, project, or initiative.  
• Approach: Summarise your methodology or intervention strategy.  
• Findings: Present key outcomes, impact, or expected results.  
• Implications: Highlight relevance to theme

How to Submit Your Abstract

Abstract submissions for the Global Mental Health Africa Conference 2027 are open. All submissions are managed through Dryfta, our official conference management platform. 

• Click on the 'Submit Your Abstract' button which will re-direct you to the submission form
• You will be requested to create an account first

*Applicants must ensure that all required fields are completed and that submissions meet the eligibility and requirements. 

Submit Abstract

Timelines

Enquiries

For any questions or clarifications kindly send an email to [email protected] with 'Abstract Submission Help' as your subject. Responses will be shared on Monday– Fridayy from 0800 hrs to 1700 hrs EAT during the submission window.