Convened by the Science for Africa Foundation and the Mental Health Innovation Network, with the support of Wellcome — #GMHAC2027 showcases African-led mental health research and innovation.
A continent-wide movement for mental health The Global Mental Health Africa Conference 2027 is convened by the Science for Africa Foundation and the Mental Health Innovation Networkwith the support of Wellcome. Together, they bring together the brightest minds in research, the boldest voices from communities, and the decision-makers who shape policy, to close the mental health treatment gap across Africa.
From cutting-edge neuroscience to community-led care models, #GMHAC2027 is where evidence meets action. Three days in Nairobi that will define the next decade of mental health on the continent.
8–10 February 2027 · NairobiStrengthen visibility and recognition of African-led mental health initiatives at national, regional, and global levels.
Bring together policymakers, researchers, people with lived experience, implementers, practitioners, and funders to exchange knowledge and foster collaboration.
Emphasise horizontal capacity development — fostering mutual growth, shared leadership, and new partnerships and collaborative frameworks.
Facilitate linkages between implementing organisations and policy actors to support impact, evidence-informed policymaking, and scale-up of effective innovations.
Convened by the Science for Africa Foundation and the Mental Health Innovation Network, with the support of Wellcome.
A pan-African, non-profit, public charity organisation that supports, strengthens and promotes science and innovation in Africa. The SFA Foundation serves the African research ecosystem by funding excellent ideas in research and innovation, enabling interdisciplinary collaborations, and building environments conducive for scientists to thrive and produce quality research that generates new, locally relevant knowledge.
A global community of mental health innovators — researchers, practitioners, policy-makers, service user advocates and donors from around the world — sharing innovative resources and ideas to promote mental health and improve the lives of people with mental, neurological and substance use conditions.
Wellcome's vision is a healthier future for everyone. We support discovery research into life, health and wellbeing, and we're taking on three urgent health challenges: mental health, infectious disease, and climate and health.
A mix of structured and informal activities to share research, foster collaboration, and encourage knowledge exchange.
Talks offering insights into major trends and challenges across the core themes.
Brief presentations spotlighting emerging leaders and innovators.
Oral presentations and symposia by track. Sessions in French and Portuguese reflect Africa's linguistic diversity.
Running throughout, with dedicated sessions for in-depth conversation between presenters and attendees.
A welcome event and conference dinner support community building, collaboration and career development.
MHIN showcases 20 cost-effective, scalable innovations selected for their evidence base and potential for impact
Select opportunities to visit community-based programmes.
Hands-on learning and capacity building with regional collaborators — from research skills to rights-based policy reform.
Bringing together government leaders, researchers, development partners and financing institutions.
The Global Mental Health Africa Conference 2027 is built on the strength of African-led research, innovation, and lived experience. Abstract submissions are now open, and we invite researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and people with lived experience to contribute to a programme that will showcase the best of what Africa is producing in mental health. .
Accepted abstracts will be considered for either oral presentations, quickfire plenary slots, or poster presentations across the conference’s four thematic tracks.
Submissions open on 20 June 2026 and closes 20 August 2026.
Submit AbstractThe #GMHAC2027 Innovation Fair, hosted by the Mental Health Innovation Network throughout the conference, is a dedicated showcase for evidence-based mental health innovations from across Africa. We are looking for researchers, practitioners, policymakers, people with lived experience, and implementers working on novel approaches to mental health care. From digital health solutions and community-based interventions to policy reform, financing models, and rights-based advocacy.
Selected innovators will be sponsored to attend #GMHAC2027 and will work with the MHIN technical team ahead of the conference to develop a full innovation pitch package, including a case study, infographic, policy brief, and photo story. Multidisciplinary approaches and cross-sector collaborations are strongly encouraged.
Submissions are open to innovations at any stage of scale, covering any mental health topic or population group across the life course. Applications close 20 July 2026
For queries, contact [email protected]
Apply via MHIN portal here
Practical guidance for delegates joining us in Nairobi. Questions? Contact Janet Kariuki — [email protected].
Trademark Hotel, Limuru Road, The Village Market, Gigiri, Nairobi — conference rooms with high-speed Wi-Fi, close to the UN complex.
8–10 February 2027. Kenya observes East Africa Time (EAT, UTC+3) with no daylight saving.
Your fee covers all three days including beverages, lunch and conference materials; the package includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Trademark Hotel is recommended (also the venue). Self-sponsored delegates book directly: +254 730 886 000. Sponsored attendees have B&B arranged.
Visa-free entry up to 90 days, but a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) must be obtained before travel via etakenya.go.ke — apply at least one month ahead.
Passport valid 6+ months with 2 blank pages, eTA, proof of return flight and accommodation, adequate funds, and a yellow-fever certificate if arriving from an endemic country.
A yellow-fever certificate if from an endemic country; low malaria risk in Nairobi; drink sealed bottled water.
Warm days around 22–26°C, cooler evenings 13–16°C. Pack light breathable clothing, a layer for evenings, a compact rain jacket or umbrella, and comfortable shoes.
Use ride-hailing apps (Uber, Bolt, InDrive, Little Cab) or registered taxis rather than street taxis. M-Pesa, Airtel Money and cash accepted.
Kenyan Shilling (KES); USD 1 ≈ KES 127–130. Visa/Mastercard widely accepted, ATMs available, and a passport is required for forex.
240V, Type G (UK-style) plugs. Safaricom is recommended for coverage — SIMs need your passport and cost under USD 1. Free Wi-Fi at the venue.
Nairobi is generally safe — avoid walking alone after dark, use registered transport, and carry a passport copy. Official languages are English and Swahili.
