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Elevate Africa 2026 Convening: Press Conference Sets Stage for Accra Gathering Under “Africa: Defining Her Future”
On Monday, October 26, 2026, Elevate Africa held a curtain-raiser press conference in Accra, Ghana, setting the stage for its 2026 Annual Convening
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
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
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” 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. 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. 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.
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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. Prince Moses — Director of Strategy, Africa Prosperity Network 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.
She denounced persistent stereotypes about Africa and called for greater visibility for African success stories, stressing that changing the narrative begins with Africans themselves. She underscored the deep ties between Africa and the African American diaspora, stating: “Until Africa is whole, African Americans will never be whole
”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 , John Kufuor , Joyce Banda , and Ameenah Gurib-Fakim . Ministers from Ghana, Nigeria, and Egypt, along with senior officials from the AfCFTA Secretariat, will also participate. 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.
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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. 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.
As global power dynamics shift, Africa stands at a defining crossroads. With the youngest population in the world , immense cultural influence, and the African Continental Free Trade Area 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
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