ABUJA — African leaders, policymakers, investors, creatives and members of the diaspora are set to gather in Accra, Ghana, next month for the 2026 Elevate Africa Convening under the theme “Africa: Defining Her Future.”
The two-day convening will take place on October 28–29, 2026, at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, at a time when the continent is entering a new phase of economic integration, with increasing focus on translating the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) from an agreement into functioning markets, production networks and opportunities for African businesses.
The meeting comes as African countries seek to deepen regional economic cooperation. A World Bank report released in August called for a shift from trade links towards the development of regional production hubs, while the AfCFTA Secretariat has announced a $5.17 billion Digital Trade Corridor aimed at strengthening digital infrastructure for intra-African commerce.
Accra will provide the setting for the discussions as Ghana continues to position itself as a key centre of Africa’s trade integration agenda. The city hosts the AfCFTA Secretariat, while President John Dramani Mahama’s recently announced “Accra Reset” calls for greater economic self-reliance, resource sovereignty and local value creation.
Against this backdrop, Elevate Africa will bring together African Heads of State, ministers, traditional rulers, policymakers, youth leaders, creatives, investors, civil society actors and members of the diaspora to examine how the continent can turn its economic and demographic potential into sustained prosperity.
The convening will be hosted under the leadership of Their Royal Majesties Ogiamẹ Atuwatsé III, CFR, and Olorì Atuwatsé III, the revered King and Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom.
Discussions will focus on four interconnected areas: Trade Governance and Economic Integration; Governance, Policy and Advocacy; Youth and the Creative Economy; and the Diaspora.
The Trade Governance and Economic Integration pillar will examine the implementation of AfCFTA alongside intra-African investment, digital trade, trade finance and resource governance.
With intra-African trade exceeding US$220 billion in 2024, participants will consider how Africa can strengthen regional value chains and retain more of the value generated from its resources, production and markets within the continent.
The Governance, Policy and Advocacy pillar will focus on the institutions and leadership required to translate continental ambitions into practical outcomes. Key issues will include democratic resilience, accountability, youth representation and the relationship between traditional authority and elected political leadership, with emphasis on strengthening governance and public trust.
The Youth and Creative Economy pillar will explore the growing creative industries as strategic economic sectors. Film, music, fashion, gaming and digital content will be examined through issues such as financing, intellectual property, infrastructure, trade and access to international markets.
The convening will also feature Threads of Africa, an Elevate Africa initiative that includes its fashion film awards. The initiative will bring together African textile heritage, fashion, film and storytelling to highlight their cultural and economic value.
The Diaspora pillar will look beyond remittances to examine how Africa can harness the capital, expertise, networks and cultural influence of its global community. Discussions will explore the potential of diaspora engagement in investment, talent development, creative industries and narrative reclamation.
Speaking about the significance of the convening, Joy Godwin, Elevate Africa’s Convening Project Lead, said Africa was entering a new phase in which the focus was shifting from its potential to building systems capable of delivering tangible results.
“Africa is moving into a new phase. The conversation is increasingly shifting from what the continent could become to how we build the systems, institutions and partnerships that will make that future possible. This Convening brings together the leaders, builders and changemakers who can help turn that ambition into action,” Godwin said.
The convening is expected to produce the Accra Declaration, alongside strategic partnerships, investment commitments and cross-sector collaborations.
Between 600 and 900 delegates are expected to participate both in person and virtually.
The 2026 Elevate Africa Convening aims to position Accra as a meeting point for a broader continental discussion on how Africa can move from integration as an aspiration to integration as an economic reality.
About Elevate Africa
Elevate Africa is a non-governmental organisation committed to redefining the narrative surrounding the African continent. It was founded by Their Royal Majesties Ogiamẹ Atuwatsé III, CFR, and Olorì Atuwatsé III.
The organisation facilitates collaboration among leaders, creatives, investors, institutions and cultural custodians to develop impactful solutions.
Its mission focuses on advancing governance, trade and cultural initiatives that create lasting impact, strengthen communities and inspire future generations.
