ACCRA, Ghana: African leaders, policymakers, investors, creatives and members of the diaspora are expected to gather in Accra next month for the 2026 Elevate Africa Convening, as discussions turn towards implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and building stronger economic links across the continent.
The two day gathering will take place on 28 and 29 October at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra under the theme “Africa: Defining Her Future.”
The convening comes as African countries seek to move beyond agreements and declarations towards functioning markets, regional production networks and greater opportunities for African businesses.
The organisers said the discussions will take place against a changing economic landscape in which regional cooperation is becoming increasingly important.
A World Bank report released in August called for African economies to move beyond trade connections towards the development of regional production hubs. At the same time, the AfCFTA Secretariat has announced a $5.17 billion Digital Trade Corridor aimed at strengthening digital infrastructure for commerce between African countries.
Accra has been selected as the venue as Ghana continues to play a prominent role in Africa’s continental trade agenda. The city hosts the AfCFTA Secretariat, while President John Dramani Mahama’s recently announced “Accra Reset” agenda calls for greater economic self reliance, resource sovereignty and local value creation.
The Elevate Africa Convening will bring together Heads of State, ministers, traditional rulers, policymakers, youth leaders, creatives, investors, civil society representatives and members of the African diaspora.
The event is being hosted under the leadership of Their Royal Majesties Ogiamẹ Atuwatsé III, CFR, and Olorì Atuwatsé III, the King and Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom.
Organisers have identified four main areas for discussion: Trade Governance and Economic Integration; Governance, Policy and Advocacy; Youth and the Creative Economy; and The Diaspora.
The Trade Governance and Economic Integration discussions 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, delegates are expected to examine ways of strengthening regional value chains and ensuring that more of the value generated through Africa’s resources, production and markets remains within the continent.
Governance will form another major part of the programme, with discussions expected to focus on the institutions and leadership required to turn continental ambitions into practical results.
The Governance, Policy and Advocacy pillar will cover democratic resilience, accountability, youth representation and the relationship between traditional authorities and elected political leadership. The discussions will also consider ways of strengthening governance and public trust.
The growing contribution of Africa’s creative industries will be addressed under the Youth and Creative Economy pillar.
Film, music, fashion, gaming and digital content will be examined as strategic economic sectors, with discussions covering 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 brings together African textile heritage, fashion, film and storytelling while examining their cultural and economic importance.
The diaspora will form the fourth pillar of the gathering, with discussions looking beyond remittances to the wider contribution of Africans living abroad.
Delegates will consider how Africa can tap into diaspora capital, expertise, professional networks and cultural influence, including opportunities in investment, talent development, creative industries and the shaping of Africa’s global narrative.
Joy Godwin, Elevate Africa’s Convening Project Lead, said the continent was entering a new stage in its development.
“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.”
The organisers expect the gathering to produce the Accra Declaration, as well as strategic partnerships, investment commitments and collaborations across different sectors.
Between 600 and 900 delegates are expected to participate both in person and virtually.
The 2026 Elevate Africa Convening is expected to use Accra as a platform for a wider continental discussion on how African integration can translate from a long term aspiration into functioning economic cooperation and opportunity.
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