Private sector must have a meaningful seat at the diplomacy table - Diplomatic Affairs CEO

The private sector must have a meaningful seat at the table of diplomacy if Africa is to achieve sustainable economic transformation, the Chief Executive Officer of Diplomatic Affairs Media and Communications Limited, Harriet Nartey has said.

According to her, diplomacy in the modern world extends beyond government-to-government relations, with businesses playing an increasingly important role in international trade, investment, innovation, tourism, technology and economic development.

She made the remarks in Accra on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at the press launch of the fifth edition of A Night with the Diplomats.

The event, which is being organised under the theme “Economic Diplomacy: The Role of the Private Sector,” seeks to deepen engagement among the diplomatic community, government, the private sector, traditional authorities, development partners and the media.

The CEO said businesses were important actors in creating cross-border opportunities, facilitating trade, building partnerships, transferring knowledge and generating employment.

“Therefore, if we are serious about advancing Africa's economic transformation, the private sector must have a meaningful seat at the table of diplomacy,” the CEO stated.

The CEO announced that the fifth edition of A Night with the Diplomats would be held on December 3, 2026, at the Ga Mantse Royal Palace, in collaboration with the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II.

The event will be held under the theme “Leveraging Royal Diplomacy for Africa's Developmental Agenda.”

It is expected to bring together members of the diplomatic corps, government representatives, business leaders, traditional authorities, development partners, as well as royals and monarchs from across Africa and representatives of royal and monarchic institutions from other parts of the world.