Welcome Message from SOMPED President
Dear Distinguished Sompedians and prospective Conference participants
It is with great pleasure that I welcome everyone to the 10th Annual Conference of the Society for Medicinal Plants and Economic Development (SOMPED). This milestone event celebrates a decade of impactful research, collaboration, and advocacy in advancing medicinal plants as drivers of sustainable economic development. Our conference theme, Medicinal Plants Innovation for Health, Innovation and Sustainable Economic Development, reflects SOMPED’s enduring commitment to translating scientific knowledge and indigenous wisdom into solutions that promote health, livelihoods, and economic resilience.
Over the past nine conferences, SOMPED has established itself as a vibrant global platform connecting researchers, practitioners, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and community stakeholders. These gatherings have produced meaningful scientific contributions, strengthened international collaborations, informed policy discussions, and supported sustainable value chains within the medicinal plant sector. Building on this strong foundation, the 10th anniversary conference highlights key sub-themes including medicinal plant research and innovation, conservation and sustainable use, indigenous knowledge systems, commercialization and value addition, health and wellness applications, and enabling policies for economic development.
Johannesburg South Africa, as our host city stands as a dynamic hub of innovation, culture, and commerce, offering participants a stimulating environment for academic exchange and professional networking. Beyond the conference sessions, delegates will enjoy rich cultural experiences, warm hospitality, diverse cuisine, and opportunities for social interaction and exploration.
As we commemorate ten years of SOMPED, I encourage all participants to engage actively, share ideas, forge new partnerships, and contribute to shaping the future of medicinal plant innovation for health and sustainable economic development. I warmly welcome everyone to this historic conference. Enjoy a rewarding and memorable experience in Johannesburg!
– Prof Olukemi Odukoya
CONFERENCE THEME
Medicinal Plants for health innovation and sustainable economic development
17-20 August 2026
ANEW Hotel & Conference Centre
Benoni, Johannesburg
SUB THEMES
- Analytical Methods for Natural Products
- Bioactives and Biological Activities of Natural Products
- Bio-nanoparticles/Nanomedicines
- Cultivation and conservation of medicinal plants
- Cosmeceuticals
- Economic importance of medicinal plants
- Essential oils
- Ethnopharmacology
- Health Promotion
- Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals
- Formulations, Packaging and Storage of Herbal Medicines
- -omics
- Phytochemistry
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Intellectual Property Rights and Ethics
- Ethnobotany
- Phytomedicine
- Pharmacology
- Reproductive health
- Toxicology
- Veterinary Phytomedicine
- Clinical Trials and Patenting
Important Information
Plan your visit
You are invited to submit original contributions for oral and poster presentations related to any of the designated themes. The use of the abstract template is mandatory. Correspondence regarding the abstracts will only be sent to the corresponding author. It is their responsibility to forward the information to all co-authors. Every effort will be made to accommodate the author’s preference for either an oral presentation or a poster, but the organisers reserve the right to make the final decision. At least one of the authors must register for the conference, otherwise the abstract will not be considered by the Scientific Committee
Please direct any queries you might have via email to conference@somped.net
Abstract Submission Dates
1 January 2026 – 31 July 2026
Registration Fees
Standard – $300 USD / R 5 500
Students/Virtual presenters – $ 170 USD / R 3000
Exhibitor fee
$300 USD per table
Conference Dates
17-20 August 2026
ANEW Hotel & Conference Centre
Benoni, Johannesburg
ANEW Hotel & Conference Centre is accessible from both major Johannesburg airports, offering convenience for international and local travellers alike. Located about 15 kilometres from OR Tambo International Airport, it takes approximately 15 minutes by car, while Lanseria International Airport is a bit further , at 60 kilometres or 1 hour drive away. Visitors can easily arrange car rentals, airport shuttles, or ride-sharing services for direct transfers to ANEW Hotel & Conference