Africa Set for Major Trade Summit as Leaders Converge in Accra

African leaders, policymakers, investors, creatives and members of the diaspora are set to gather in Accra, Ghana, on October 28-29 for the 2026 Elevate Africa Convening, as discussions shift from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement to its practical implementation.

The gathering is themed “Africa: Defining Her Future,” will take place at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel and is expected to attract between 600 and 900 delegates participating both physically and virtually.

According to the organisers, the Convening comes at a time when the continent is placing greater emphasis on turning AfCFTA into functioning markets, regional production networks and expanded opportunities for African businesses.

The discussions follow recent developments in Africa’s trade agenda, including a World Bank report released in August that called for stronger regional production hubs, and the AfCFTA Secretariat’s announcement of a $5.17 billion Digital Trade Corridor aimed at strengthening digital infrastructure for intra-African commerce.

Continental Trade

Additionally, Accra will serve as the backdrop for the conversations as Ghana continues to position itself as a key centre for continental trade integration.

The city hosts the AfCFTA Secretariat, while President John Dramani Mahama’s Accra Reset agenda has emphasised economic self-reliance, resource sovereignty and local value creation.

Also Read: EPRA Announces New Fuel Prices as Global Oil Surges Past $100

This Convening will be hosted under the leadership of Their Royal Majesties Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, and Olorì Atuwatse III, the King and Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom.

Event organisers said the event will focus on four main pillars: Trade Governance and Economic Integration; Governance, Policy and Advocacy; Youth and the Creative Economy; and the Diaspora.

In addition, trade discussions will examine AfCFTA implementation, intra-African investment, digital trade, trade finance and resource governance.

Regional Value Chains

Organisers noted that intra-African trade exceeded US$220 billion in 2024, with conversations expected to explore ways of strengthening regional value chains and retaining more value within the continent.

Governance sessions will address democratic resilience, accountability, youth representation and the relationship between traditional institutions and elected leadership.

Meanwhile, the creative economy discussions will cover industries including film, music, fashion, gaming and digital content, with a focus on financing, intellectual property, infrastructure and access to international markets.

On the same note, the programme will also feature Threads of Africa, an initiative highlighting African textile heritage through fashion and film.

Investment

The diaspora pillar will examine how Africa can leverage the expertise, investment and global networks of its international communities beyond traditional remittance flows.

Also Read: Lodwar Set for First-Ever National Grid Power Since Independence

Speaking ahead of the event, Joy Godwin, Elevate Africa’s Convening Project Lead, said the continent’s focus is increasingly shifting from identifying Africa’s potential to building the systems, institutions and partnerships needed to achieve long-term development.

Organisers said the Convening is expected to produce the Accra Declaration, alongside strategic partnerships, investment commitments and cross-sector collaborations aimed at advancing Africa’s integration agenda.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates

Elavate Africa PHOTO/File