Share research, case studies and position papers

Dates, word limits and the submission address shown in [brackets] are to be confirmed by the organising team.

Themes

Papers should speak to at least one of the Forum’s themes and, where relevant, to one of the sector tracks (film, fashion, music) or the cross-cutting plenary programme.

• Policy, institutions and ecosystems. Coordination, regulation, sector organisation and lessons Malawi can adapt from other African creative economies.
• Intellectual property and copyright. Ownership, licensing, royalties, collective management and practical IP decisions across creative genres.
• Finance, investment and exports. Finance-readiness, investment models, export development and opportunities under AfCFTA.
• Digital, AI and the creator economy. Content monetisation, platforms, gaming and esports, immersive storytelling and the responsible use of AI.
• Film, fashion and music value chains. Production, distribution, branding, market access and business models in the three sector tracks.
• Culture, heritage and creative tourism. Literature, publishing, heritage products, responsible commercialisation and community benefit.

Submission types

• Research papers. Original empirical or analytical work, [3,000–6,000 words], with an abstract of up to 250 words.
• Case studies. Documented experience of an enterprise, programme or policy, [1,500–3,000 words], with lessons for Malawi.
• Position papers. Evidence-based recommendations from an organisation or coalition, [up to 2,500 words].

Format and requirements

1. Submit as a Word or PDF document in English, with a title page giving author names, affiliations and a contact email.
2. Use a clear structure: context, evidence or method, findings, recommendations for Malawi.
3. Reference sources consistently (any recognised academic style) and clear any third-party images or data for publication.
4. Indicate the theme and Forum track your paper speaks to, and whether you are available to present in person or virtually.

Review and what happens next

1. Submissions are acknowledged by email within [five working days].
2. Papers are reviewed by the organising team and sector partners for relevance, rigour and practical value to Malawi.
3. Accepted papers are shared with the relevant session facilitators and may be presented, cited in panels or published in the Forum report and resources library.

How to submit

Email your paper to [papers@forum-email] with the subject line “MCEIF 2026 paper – [theme]”. Authors should also register for the Forum if they intend to attend.