ACCRA, Ghana (UGNEWSLINE) — Presidents, vice presidents, former heads of state, ministers, parliamentarians and senior continental policymakers have been confirmed to attend the Elevate Africa 2026 Annual Convening scheduled for October 28–29 at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, Ghana.
Organized under the theme “Africa: Defining Her Future,” the convening will bring together leaders and influential voices from Africa and the diaspora to discuss the continent’s economic and social future, with a focus on trade, governance, investment, culture and the creative economy.
Among the confirmed government leaders are Sierra Leone President Dr Julius Maada Bio and Ghanaian Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.
Former heads of state expected to attend include former Nigerian President Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, former Malawian President Dr Joyce Banda, former Mauritian President Dr Ameenah Gurib-Fakim and former Ghanaian President John Kufuor.
The confirmed ministers include Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Ghana’s Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts; Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy; and Hon. Ahmed Rostom, Egypt’s Minister of Planning. Former Kenyan Justice Minister Hon. Martha Karua will also participate.
Senior officials from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat will also attend, including Chief of Staff Rui Livramento, Senior Trade Economist Dr Tei Kitcher and Senior Advisor to the Secretary-General Constance Besse-Moser.
Their participation is expected to contribute to discussions on continental integration, trade and the implementation of Africa’s economic agenda.
Speaking ahead of the event, Her Royal Majesty Olorì Atuwatsé III, Co-Founder of Elevate Africa, said the convening is intended to create a platform where African leaders can collaborate across borders and sectors while exchanging knowledge and ideas.
“Africa’s future will be defined by leaders who are willing to build across borders, collaborate beyond sectors and generations, and create space for the exchange of knowledge, experience and new ideas between them,” she said.
Discussions will focus on four key areas: Leadership and Governance; Trade, Investment and Doing Business in Africa; Youth Opportunity and Leadership; and the Diaspora, Return, Creative Economy and Soft Power.
The sessions will examine AfCFTA implementation, regional investment, creative industries, leadership and governance, youth participation and the contribution of the diaspora to Africa’s economic transformation.
Elevate Africa said additional heads of state, senior ministers and government dignitaries are still being confirmed, with further speaker announcements expected ahead of the event.
About Elevate Africa
Elevate Africa is a non-governmental organisation founded by His Royal Majesty Ogiamẹ Atuwatsé III, CFR, and Her Royal Majesty Olorì Atuwatsé III. The organisation seeks to promote collaboration among leaders, creatives, investors, institutions and cultural custodians to develop solutions for Africa’s future.
Its work focuses on governance, trade and cultural initiatives aimed at strengthening communities, creating lasting impact and inspiring future generations.
