African leaders to gather in Accra for Elevate Africa 2026
MASERU – African Heads of State, policymakers, investors, creatives and members of the diaspora are expected to converge in Accra, Ghana, next month for the Elevate Africa 2026 Convening, which will focus on turning continental ambitions into practical economic opportunities.
According to a press release issued by Elevate Africa on September 14, the two-day gathering will take place on October 28 and 29 at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel under the theme “Africa: Defining Her Future.”
The convening comes at a time when African countries are seeking to move the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) beyond an agreement and towards functioning markets, regional production networks and increased opportunities for African businesses.
The organisers say discussions will take place against the backdrop of growing efforts to deepen regional economic cooperation, including a World Bank call for a shift from trade links towards regional production hubs and the AfCFTA Secretariat’s announcement of a $5.17 billion Digital Trade Corridor aimed at strengthening digital infrastructure for intra-
The four main areas of discussion will be Trade Governance and Economic Integration; Governance, Policy and Advocacy; Youth and the Creative Economy; and the Diaspora.
Under trade and economic integration, participants will examine AfCFTA implementation, intra-African investment, digital trade, trade finance and resource governance.
The organisers say intra-African trade exceeded US$220 billion in 2024, with discussions expected to explore ways of strengthening regional value chains and retaining more of the value generated from Africa’s resources, production and markets within the continent.
Governance discussions will focus on democratic resilience, accountability, youth representation and the relationship between traditional and elected political leadership.
The youth and creative economy pillar will examine the economic potential of industries such as film, music, fashion, gaming and digital content, including challenges around financing, intellectual property, infrastructure and access to international markets.
The gathering will also feature Threads of Africa, an Elevate Africa initiative incorporating fashion film awards and seeking to showcase the cultural and economic value of African textiles, fashion, film and storytelling.
The diaspora discussions will consider how Africa can tap into the capital, expertise, networks and cultural influence of Africans living abroad, beyond the traditional focus on remittances.
Elevate Africa Convening Project Lead Joy Godwin said the continent was entering a new phase where the focus was shifting from what Africa could become to building systems and partnerships capable of delivering that future.
“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,” Godwin said.
The convening is expected to produce the Accra Declaration, as well as strategic partnerships, investment commitments and cross-sector collaborations.
Between 600 and 900 delegates are expected to participate physically and virtually, with the organisers seeking to position Accra as a meeting point for discussions on moving African integration from aspiration to economic reality.