Elevate Africa Summit to push AfCFTA toward fully functional markets
Accra will provide the setting for these discussions as Ghana continues to position itself as a key centre for Africa’s trade integration agenda. The city hosts the AfCFTA Secretariat, while President John Dramani Mahama’s recently announced “Accra Reset” calls for greater economic self-reliance, resource sovereignty and local value creation.
Next month, African leaders, policymakers, investors, creatives, and diaspora members will convene in Accra for the 2026 Elevate Africa gathering, themed "Africa: Defining Her Future." The event focuses on transitioning the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) from an agreement into fully functional markets, production networks, and opportunities for African businesses.
The timing aligns with the continent's pursuit of deeper regional economic cooperation, as highlighted by a World Bank report calling for a shift from trade links to regional production hubs. The AfCFTA Secretariat has also launched a $5.17 billion Digital Trade Corridor to bolster digital infrastructure for intra-African commerce.
Ghana, already hosting the AfCFTA Secretariat, is positioning itself as a key center for Africa's trade integration agenda. President John Dramani Mahama's "Accra Reset" emphasizes economic self-reliance, resource sovereignty, and local value creation. The convening, hosted by Their Royal Majesties Ogiamẹ Atuwatsé III and Olorì Atuwatsé III, will delve into four interconnected areas: Trade Governance and Economic Integration, Governance, Policy and Advocacy, Youth and the Creative Economy, and The Diaspora.
Among the topics to be discussed are intra-African trade, digital trade, trade finance, and resource governance, with a focus on strengthening regional value chains and retaining value within Africa. The Youth and Creative Economy pillar will explore the potential of Africa's burgeoning creative industries, while the Diaspora pillar will examine the role of the global African community in investment, talent development, and cultural narrative reclamation.
Expected to bring together 600 to 900 delegates in person and virtually, the convening aims to produce the Accra Declaration, strategic partnerships, investment commitments, and cross-sector collaborations, positioning Accra as a hub for a broader continental discussion on moving from integration aspirations to economic reality.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
