The countdown to one of Africa’s most anticipated leadership gatherings is officially underway.
On Monday, October 26, 2026, Elevate Africa held a curtain-raiser press conference in Accra, Ghana, setting the stage for its 2026 Annual Convening.
Held under the powerful theme “Africa: Defining Her Future,” the main convening will take place on October 28–29, 2026, at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, bringing together heads of state, traditional rulers, policymakers, creatives, investors, and diaspora leaders.
DAY ONE: THE PRESS CONFERENCE
The press conference served as a powerful preview of the conversations to come, with four key voices setting the tone for the days ahead:
1. Her Majesty Olori Atuwatse III — Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom and Co-Founder of Elevate Africa
The Queen Consort delivered a stirring call for African-led solutions, declaring: “Time has come for Africa to take up the pen and write its own future.” She emphasized that meaningful transformation requires collaboration across governments, business, and civil society, stating: “Solutions can only be truly driven by those who are leading nations, leading companies, leading in different sectors.” She also highlighted the Elevate Africa Fellowship, which empowers mid-career professionals to reshape the continent’s narrative from one of problems to one of solutions.
2. Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD) — Director of Diaspora Affairs, Office of the President of Ghana
Representing the Ghanaian government, KOD underscored the indispensable role of the global African diaspora. “We can’t elevate Africa to the next level without the participation of the diaspora,” he stated, noting that Africans abroad possess valuable knowledge, skills, networks, and resources that can drive economic transformation. He also highlighted Ghana’s commitment to deepening diaspora engagement beyond tourism, encouraging investment and entrepreneurship.
3. Emmanuel Ikubese — Elevate Africa Fellow (2026 Cohort)
Bringing the perspective of emerging leaders, Ikubese advocated for pan-African collaboration among professionals. He argued that the continent’s development relies on collective intelligence and the mobilization of its vast talent pool.
4. Dr. Rex Idaminabo — Chief Partnership Officer, Elevate Africa
Closing the session, Dr. Idaminabo framed the convening as a decisive moment for the continent. “Africa’s transformation is a decision, and for that to happen, we want everyone to take part,” he said, emphasizing that the fellowship has united participants from 23 African countries to build resilience and support one another.
OTHER KEY VOICES AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE INCLUDE:
Prince Moses — Director of Strategy, Africa Prosperity Network (APN)
He spoke on economic integration, urging the removal of barriers to the movement of people, capital, and goods across the continent, and highlighted the gap between Africa’s 1.5 billion-person market and its low intra-African trade volume.
Grace Nelson — Alumna, Elevate Africa Fellowship
She denounced persistent stereotypes about Africa and called for greater visibility for African success stories, stressing that changing the narrative begins with Africans themselves.
Kim Schofield — U.S. State Representative, Georgia
She underscored the deep ties between Africa and the African American diaspora, stating: “Until Africa is whole, African Americans will never be whole.”
WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE COMING DAYS
With the main convening set for October 28–29, here is what delegates and observers can look forward to:
High-Profile Participation
Confirmed attendees include President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang of Ghana, and former Presidents Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (Nigeria), John Kufuor (Ghana), Joyce Banda (Malawi), and Ameenah Gurib-Fakim (Mauritius). Ministers from Ghana, Nigeria, and Egypt, along with senior officials from the AfCFTA Secretariat, will also participate.
Four Pillars of Discussion
The convening will center on four interconnected pillars:
· Leadership and Governance
· Trade, Investment and Doing Business in Africa
· Youth Opportunity and Leadership
· Diaspora, Return, Creative Economy and Soft Power
Threads of Africa Exhibition and Film Awards
A major highlight will be the Threads of Africa showcase, celebrating African textile heritage, fashion innovation, and visual storytelling. The 2026 edition of the Threads of Africa Fashion Film Prize will award up to $25,000 in non-dilutive grants to winners, alongside mentorship opportunities and a dedicated showcase at the convening.
Key Outcomes
The gathering is expected to culminate in the “Accra Declaration,” a youth statement, and a policy brief on the creative economy. Organizers will also launch the “Trade Desk” to connect businesses with investors and the “Africa Ayana” programme for the diaspora, with applications opening in January 2027.
WHY IT MATTERS
As global power dynamics shift, Africa stands at a defining crossroads. With the youngest population in the world (median age 18), immense cultural influence, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) unlocking a market of 1.5 billion people, the continent has a unique opportunity to shape its own destiny. Elevate Africa’s 2026 Convening is not just another conference it is a deliberate step toward narrative reclamation, economic integration, and intergenerational collaboration.
As Her Majesty Olori Atuwatse III put it: “Together, we can Elevate Africa.”
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