The Africa Association of Methodist Institutions of Higher Education (AAMIHE) and the Africa Association of United Methodist Theological Institutions (AAUMTI) is moving forward with its plans to hold a Joint Conference on October 13-15, 2025, in Johannesburg, South Africa. Individualized invitations to register for the conference have been sent to members of AAMIHE, AAUMTI, and IAMSCU who expressed interest in attending the conference. Those interested in attending, but have not received invitations, please contact Ms. Kimberly Lord (klord@gbhem.org).
Event: Joint AAMIHE/AAUMTI Conference
Dates: October 13-15, 2025
Program Information: https://aamihe.com/en/conferencia/
Registration: To be sent to interested individuals
Fees: US$550. This fee includes the following items:
- Single bedded room (12 – 16 October)
- Dinner (12 – 15 October)
- Breakfast (13 – 16 October)
- Lunch (13 – 15 October)
- Attendance of all conference activities (13 – 15)
Reservations: To reserve your space, a US$250 dollar deposit will be collected when you begin your registration (the registration site is now open until August 18). The balance due ($550 minus $250 deposit) will be payable when you complete the registration for the Joint AAUMTI/AAMIHE Conference.
The conference will take place at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Center, located near the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa. Birchwood provides free transfer between the airport and the hotel, offers both three-star and four-star hotel rooms with free high-speed Wi-Fi and air-conditioning, and includes more than 60 conference venues for multiple events (large and small). The property includes gardens, several restaurants with diversified dining options, spa, gym, pool, and other amenities. The Birchwood Hotel and Conference Center also provides a very safe environment and various services (tours, rentals, car service, etc.). GBHEM has promoted various events at this location, so the location was chosen based on very reliable recommendations and positive previous experiences. For more details on the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Center, visit https://www.birchwoodhotel.co.za/
The two African associations emerged as platforms to connect the growing number of Methodist educational institutions in Africa. In 1992, there was only one accredited Methodist institution of higher education on the continent, Africa University (AU). Today, there are 22 colleges and universities connected to AAMIHE as well as 31 theological seminaries affiliated to AAUMTI. These associations have had joint meetings since 2013, alternating them according to the variety of countries and three language groups (English, French, and Portuguese).
The conference theme is “Pan-African Collaborative Partnerships for Sustainable Development of Higher Education Institutions” and is related to both the United Nations’ (UN) Vision 2030 sustainable development targets and the Agenda 2063 of the African Union, the organization that brings together 54 African countries and promotes various policies, including on education. The event will also serve as an opportunity to discuss the future of regional associations and new ways for them to collaborate with their members and with partner agencies. For details on the proposed program, visit the AAMIHE website: https://aamihe.com/en/conferencia/