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| 20 Aug 2026 | |
| Written by Gaby Vita | |
| South Africa | |
| Events News |
| IGS South Africa |
The African geosynthetics community will come together in Gauteng, South Africa, from 1–5 March 2027 for GeoAfrica2027 – the 5th African Regional Conference on Geosynthetics.
Hosted by IGS South Africa at the Misty Hills Hotel, Conference Centre & Spa, GeoAfrica2027 will bring together professionals, researchers, academics, manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, students and industry leaders from across Africa and around the world.
Under the theme “Growing Sustainably, Together,” the conference will create a platform for knowledge sharing, technical development and international collaboration, while exploring the increasingly important role geosynthetics play in delivering safer, more cost-effective and sustainable infrastructure.
With registration now open and the technical programme taking shape, here is what IGS members can look forward to.
From transportation infrastructure and mining to environmental protection and climate solutions, GeoAfrica2027 will explore geosynthetics across a wide range of applications.
Conference topics include road and railway applications; landfill and environmental applications; reinforced embankments, walls and slopes; mining; barrier performance; filtration, drainage and seepage control; erosion control and reinstatement; research and development; QA, QC, durability and testing; and carbon and climate change solutions.
Geosynthetics for Sustainability will also form a dedicated topic within the programme, reinforcing the conference's overarching theme.
Practical experience will feature alongside research, with case studies providing opportunities to learn from real-world projects and applications.
Explore presenter information and conference topics
Three keynote speakers have been announced, bringing extensive international and regional expertise to the programme.
Garth James will present “Geosynthetics in South Africa: 40 Years of Lessons Shaping a Sustainable Future.” Drawing on four decades of experience, the presentation will reflect on the development of geosynthetics in South Africa and consider how those lessons can help shape more sustainable future practice.
Chaido Doulala-Rigby (Yuli) will present “Sustainable bridge construction with geosynthetics: the proof is in the numbers!” Her keynote will explore reinforced soil structures and the potential for geosynthetics to contribute to lower-carbon, more sustainable infrastructure.
Fady B. Abdelaal will present “How long will my geomembrane last? A guide to material selection and service life in mining applications.” The presentation will examine geomembrane durability, ageing, material selection and long-term performance in mining environments.
Meet the GeoAfrica2027 keynote speakers
The next generation of the geosynthetics community will have an important role at GeoAfrica2027.
On 1 March 2027, ahead of the main conference programme, the 4th Geosynthetics Conference for Young Professionals (GCYP) will take place at Misty Hills.
The dedicated event is open to geosynthetics practitioners under the age of 35, including consultants, contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, installers, academics and representatives of authorities.
GCYP is a standalone event with separate registration, meaning participants can attend whether or not they are registered for the main GeoAfrica2027 conference.
GeoAfrica2027 is also creating opportunities for students to become part of the international geosynthetics community through its Student Outreach Programme.
Free conference registrations will be made available to local and regional students through sponsorship from companies and individuals.
The initiative will give participating students an opportunity to experience an international technical conference, develop their knowledge and connect with professionals working across the geosynthetics industry.
Discover the Student Outreach Programme
Alongside traditional technical papers, GeoAfrica2027 is encouraging industry professionals to share practical experience through its Extended Abstract Case Study Competition.
The initiative provides an opportunity to showcase innovative or prominent geosynthetics projects through a shorter 2–3 page extended abstract, rather than a full-length technical paper.
Selected case studies will be invited for presentation during GeoAfrica2027 and inclusion in the conference proceedings.
Following abstract acceptance, contributors to the wider technical programme can also choose between submitting a 5–6 page full technical paper or a 2–3 page extended abstract.
The next major submission deadline is 2 October 2026 for full papers and extended abstracts.
View presenter information and submission guidelines
GeoAfrica2027 will provide plenty of opportunities to build connections outside the conference rooms.
The programme includes a Welcome Function on 2 March, followed by the Gala Dinner on 3 March at the Carnivore Restaurant.
The conference concludes with Technical Tours on 5 March, giving delegates the opportunity to see practical applications and projects.
Leisure tours and an Accompanying Persons Programme will also provide opportunities for delegates and their guests to experience more of Gauteng and South Africa during their visit.
Explore the social programme and tours
Registration for GeoAfrica2027 is now open, with preferential registration rates available to IGS members.
The Early Bird IGS Member full-delegate rate is ZAR 9,200, compared with ZAR 11,500 for non-members.
Early Bird registration closes on 30 October 2026.
IGS members should have their membership number available when registering to access the discounted rate.
Full delegate registration includes access to the technical programme, exhibition, Welcome Function, conference proceedings, Wi-Fi and scheduled refreshments and lunches. The Gala Dinner and Technical Tours are available separately.
View registration fees and register
International delegates are encouraged to begin planning their travel early, particularly if they require a visa.
South African visa applications can take up to three months, depending on the relevant embassy or consulate. Delegates requiring an invitation letter for their visa application can receive a system-generated conference invitation letter once their registration payment has been received and cleared.
Information on visas, South Africa's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), flights, accommodation, airport transfers and travelling in Gauteng is available through the conference website.
Plan your trip to GeoAfrica2027
GeoAfrica2027 represents an opportunity to bring together experience from across Africa with expertise from the wider international geosynthetics community.
Whether you are presenting new research, sharing a project, developing your professional network, discovering new technologies or attending your first regional conference, there will be plenty of opportunities to learn, contribute and connect.
Join us in Gauteng, South Africa, from 1–5 March 2027 as the geosynthetics community comes together to keep Growing Sustainably, Together.
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