The 2026 Elevate Africa Convening brought together African leaders, policymakers, investors, creatives and diaspora representatives in Accra to discuss how the continent can translate its ambitions into economic and social progress, with real estate entrepreneur Olumide Bamgbelu, CEO of Buxstone Properties Limited, among the attendees.
Held from October 28th to the 29th at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel under the theme “Africa: Defining Her Future,” the two-day gathering focused on trade, governance, investment, culture and the creative economy, with discussions centred on turning the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) from an agreement into functioning markets and opportunities for African businesses. Bamgbelu described the opening day’s discussions as enlightening, noting that they offered perspectives on Africa’s growth and the decisions that would shape its economic and social development.
The convening was structured around four pillars: Trade, Governance and Economic Integration; Governance, Policy and Advocacy; Youth and the Creative Economy; and The Diaspora. Discussions focused on translating political independence into sustainable economic progress, with participants examining leadership, institutional development, human capital and opportunities for younger generations.
Co-founder of Elevate Africa, Her Majesty Olori Atuwatsé III, called on African leaders to prioritise homegrown solutions and take ownership of the continent’s development, arguing that Africa already has solutions to many of its challenges but needs greater confidence in its ability to implement them. The initiative seeks to amplify African solutions through the media, convene leaders across sectors and develop the continent’s human resource base.
The convening also explored culture, the creative economy and the African diaspora, highlighting their place in discussions about the continent’s future, with business executives, investors and creatives joining heads of state, traditional rulers and policymakers. Bamgbelu’s participation provided an opportunity to engage with broader perspectives on Africa’s development and the role businesses can play in promoting economic growth and community development.
The event’s theme centred on leadership, enterprise and collective responsibility in translating continental ambitions into tangible improvements in local communities, with the convening running alongside a wider programme of activities from October 26 to 29. For Africa, the challenge now is to ensure that the ideas and partnerships generated in Accra translate into concrete projects that deliver jobs, investment and improved livelihoods across the continent.
Africa Presents is a Pan-African digital magazine and monthly publication covering politics, business, economy, culture, tech, and the stories shaping Africa and its diaspora. Visit africapresents.com and follow @AfricaPresents for daily coverage and monthly themed magazine editions.
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