Africa’s solutions must be driven by its leaders – Olori Atuwatse III urges head of states

Her Majesty Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom in Nigeria, has emphasised the need for African leaders to take responsibility for developing and implementing solutions to the continent's challenges.

According to her, meaningful transformation across Africa requires the active involvement of political leaders, business executives and other influential stakeholders who have the authority and resources to translate ideas into action.

Speaking ahead of the 2026 Elevate Africa Convening in Accra, Olori Atuwatse III stressed that Africa's development challenges could not be addressed through isolated efforts but required collaboration among leaders across different sectors.

“It's important that we have a room where we are convening leaders from across governments, and we're very intentional about working with leadership because we understand that solutions can only be truly driven by those who are leading nations, leading companies, leading in different sectors,” she stated.

She explained that the Elevate Africa initiative seeks to amplify existing African solutions, bring together influential leaders and develop the continent's human capital through leadership training and mentorship.

According to her, the initiative operates through three interconnected approaches: amplifying African solutions through media and other platforms, convening leaders and creators to exchange ideas, and developing talent to drive transformation.

She noted that Africa's youthful population represents one of its greatest assets and must be deliberately empowered to contribute to the continent's development.

“Africa, like Rex said and like most of us know, has a large population of youth, our median age is 18, on the continent,” she said.

She explained that the Elevate Africa Fellowship provides opportunities for mid-career professionals from across Africa and the diaspora to strengthen their leadership capabilities and develop innovative solutions to challenges within their respective fields.

Olori Atuwatse III also called for a change in how Africans perceive and discuss the continent, arguing that negative narratives often overshadow Africa's enormous potential.

She said the initiative was working to equip emerging leaders with the skills to reshape these narratives and promote a solutions-oriented approach to Africa's development.

“And so we're helping them to shift the narrative to say, can we stop looking at Africa as the problem and start actually creating solutions,” she stated.

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Meanwhile, Presidential Adviser and Director of the Diaspora Affairs Office, Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD), underscored the importance of involving Africans in the diaspora in efforts to transform the continent.

He said Ghana's historical position in the Pan-African movement made it an appropriate destination for discussions about Africa's development and future.

“We can't elevate Africa to the next level without the participation of the diaspora,” he stated.

KOD explained that Africans living abroad possess valuable knowledge, skills, networks and resources that could contribute significantly to economic transformation.

He cited Dr Kwame Nkrumah's experience of studying abroad before returning to Ghana to participate in the independence struggle as an example of the important role the diaspora can play in national development.

According to him, Ghana is increasingly encouraging members of the diaspora to move beyond visiting the country for holidays and become active participants in its socioeconomic development.

He noted that diaspora engagement should include investment, entrepreneurship and other activities that contribute to sustainable economic growth.

Touching on Ghana's tourism industry, KOD stressed the need to position the country as a year-round destination rather than one that attracts international visitors primarily during the December festive season.

He explained that although the annual December in Ghana celebrations have contributed significantly to the country's tourism appeal, greater efforts are needed to sustain visitor interest throughout the year.

KOD also highlighted the role of the private sector in developing Ghana's creative and tourism industries.

Drawing on his experience as founder of the Rhythms on Da Runway event, he said private investment had been instrumental in sustaining major entertainment and cultural programmes.

He noted that government support remained important but argued that the creative sector must continue to be driven largely by private-sector initiatives.

KOD further explained that the government's Black Star Experience initiative seeks to promote Ghana's cultural heritage, tourism attractions and creative industries beyond the festive season.

He encouraged the media to support efforts to promote Ghana as a destination for tourism, investment and cultural exchange throughout the year.

The 2026 Elevate Africa Convening, scheduled to take place at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, is expected to bring together prominent African leaders, policymakers, business executives and other stakeholders to discuss the continent's future.

The main gathering, scheduled for October 28 and 29, forms part of activities running from October 26 to 29, 2026.

Held under the theme “Africa: Defining Her Future,” the convening will focus on Africa's economic and social transformation, particularly in the areas of governance, trade, investment, youth development and the creative economy.

Among the prominent personalities expected to participate are Ghana's Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang; President of Sierra Leone, Dr Julius Maada Bio; and former Nigerian President, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

Other expected participants include former President of Ghana, John Agyekum Kufuor; former President of Malawi, Dr Joyce Banda; and former President of Mauritius, Dr Ameenah Gurib-Fakim.

The gathering will also feature Ghana's Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie; Nigeria's Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa; and Egypt's Minister of Planning, Ahmed Rostom.

Kenya's former Minister of Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs, Martha Karua, is also expected to attend.

Senior officials from the AfCFTA Secretariat, including Chief of Staff Rui Livramento, Senior Trade Economist Dr Tei Kitcher and Senior Advisor to the Secretary-General Constance Besse-Moser, are expected to participate in discussions on continental trade and economic integration.

The event is projected to attract between 400 and 600 delegates from across Africa and the diaspora.

Discussions will centre on four major pillars: Leadership and Governance; Trade, Investment and Doing Business in Africa; Youth Opportunity and Leadership; and the Diaspora, Return, Creative Economy and Soft Power.

The convening is expected to provide opportunities for strategic partnerships, cross-border collaboration and the exchange of innovative ideas aimed at addressing Africa's development challenges.

AM

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