High-Level Plenary Sessions
Hear from Presidents, former Heads of State, ministers, traditional leaders and globally recognised experts addressing Africa's most pressing governance, leadership and development priorities.
October 28th - 29th, 2026
Africa: Defining Her Future
A High-Level Convening on Trade Governance, Leadership, Youth, the Creative Economy and the African Diaspora
Why This Convening Matters
Africa stands at a defining moment.
As global power dynamics shift, new trade relationships emerge and institutions evolve, the continent has an opportunity not only to participate in shaping the future, but to help define it.
The Elevate Africa Convening brings together Heads of State, ministers, traditional leaders, business executives, investors, development institutions, creatives, youth leaders and the African diaspora to address the leadership, governance and economic priorities that will shape Africa's future.
The convening is designed to move beyond dialogue by catalysing partnerships, informing policy and producing concrete commitments that strengthen Africa's position in a rapidly changing world.
Convening Highlights
Ministerial & Executive Dialogues
Policy-focused conversations on governance reform, trade integration, investment, regional cooperation and institutional leadership.
Breakout Sessions
Participate in focused discussions exploring trade governance, youth leadership, the creative economy and diaspora engagement.
Creative Economy Mini-Conference
Dedicated sessions examining music, film, fashion, sports, intellectual property and creative industries as strategic drivers of Africa's economic transformation.
Youth Track - Policy Labs & Action Sessions
Interactive policy labs and intergenerational dialogue where young leaders develop recommendations to be presented during the Closing Plenary.
Women’s Leadership Breakfast* — Invite-only session
A curated platform advancing conversations on women's leadership, representation and influence across government, business and society.
Threads of Africa Film Screening* — Invite-only session
An immersive celebration of African fashion, film, culture and creativity, highlighting their role as drivers of economic growth, identity and global influence.
*Women-led and women-focused organisations interested in learning more can contact us at convening@weelevateafrica.org for more details.
*Organisations within the creative economy space interested in learning more can contact us at convening@weelevateafrica.org for more details.
The Experience
Throughout the Convening
Experience strategic networking opportunities, curated exhibitions, bilateral meetings, cultural showcases and cross-sector conversations designed to foster meaningful collaboration beyond the conference.
Leadership
Capital
Culture
Action
Engage the Leaders Shaping Africa's Future
Share the room with Heads of State, ministers, traditional leaders, investors, development partners, entrepreneurs, creatives, youth leaders and policy experts working together to strengthen Africa's governance, trade and global influence.
Build Strategic Relationships
Connect with influential leaders, institutions and organisations driving policy, investment and innovation across Africa.
Gain Insights into Africa's Emerging Opportunities
Explore conversations shaping governance, trade, investment, innovation and the creative economy across the continent.
Expand Cross-Sector Collaboration
Develop relationships across government, business, development institutions, civil society and the African diaspora that create opportunities beyond the convening.
Leave with Actionable Outcomes
Gain practical insights, policy perspectives, strategic partnerships and access to initiatives that continue long after the convening concludes.
Programme at a Glance
Governance, Trade & Continental Leadership
- Official Opening Ceremony
- Presidential & Royal Addresses
- High-Level Keynote Sessions
- Presidential Roundtable on African Leadership
- AfCFTA Trade Governance Dialogue
- Digital Trade & Trade Finance Panel
- Diaspora Investment Dialogue
- Governance & Policy Conversations
Creative Economy, Youth & Continental Action
- Royal Creative Economy Address
- Creative Economy Opening Plenary
- Threads of Africa Exhibition
- Sector Workshops & Masterclasses
- Sports & the Creative Economy
- Youth Policy Labs
- Intergenerational Dialogue
- Youth Communiqué Presentation
- The Accra Declaration
- Kings’ Banquet
Speaker/Host
Voices defining Africa's future.
More speakers coming soon.
Host
His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR.
The 21st Olu of Warri
Host
Her Majesty Olori Atuwatse III
Queen Consort of Warri Kingdom
More Speakers
Additional leaders, investors, creatives, youth voices, and diaspora builders will be announced soon.
Tickets
Premium access
Dedicated access
Premier partnership
Choose your access.
After secure payment, your ticket will be issued automatically with a unique six-digit ticket ID, QR code, and calendar invite.
Early Bird pricing is active. Book by September 12, 2026. All prices are in US dollars.
General Delegate
$250
Early Bird · Late Bird $400
- Full 2-day access to plenaries, panels and breakout sessions
- Conference kit
- Networking sessions
VIP
$700
Early Bird · Late Bird $1,000
- Everything in General Delegate
- Priority reserved seating and VIP lounge access
- Speaker speed-networking and premium conference kit
First Class
$1,500
Early Bird · Late Bird $2,000
- Everything in VIP and a dedicated registration desk
- Access to Women’s Leadership Breakfast*
- Access to Kings Banquet
- Threads of Africa show and Film Evening
- Opportunity to be featured in a side event
- Private networking with keynote speakers
*Women-led and women-focused organisations who select this ticket category will be invited.
Youth & Student Access
Dedicated ticket access for final-year students, recent graduates, and young professionals (18–35) with one to three years’ work experience. Student bodies and youth organisations interested in group participation are also welcome.
Eligible individuals, student groups, or youth organisations can reach out to convening@weelevateafrica.org for details on youth and student access.
Request AccessVirtual
$50
Fixed price
- Live-streamed plenaries and selected panels
- Digital delegate pack
- 60-day access to session recordings
Benefits at a glance
| Benefit | General | VIP | First Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-day access to all open sessions | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Conference kit and materials | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Priority reserved seating | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| VIP lounge and speaker networking | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Women’s Leadership Breakfast* | — | — | ✓ |
| Kings Banquet | — | — | ✓ |
| Threads of Africa Film Evening | — | — | ✓ |
| Exclusive registration desk | — | — | ✓ |
Corporate Packages
Bring your team. Build your visibility.
Packages include discounted attendance, brand recognition, invoicing and bulk-registration support.
Corporate Silver
$2,500
- 7 General Delegate tickets
- Reserved seating block
Corporate Gold
$5,000
- 8 General Delegate tickets and 2 VIP upgrades
- Reserved seating block
- 2 invitations to the Kings Banquet
Corporate Platinum
$10,000
2× Corporate Gold
- 12 General Delegate tickets and 4 VIP upgrades
- Reserved seating block
- 4 invitations to the Kings Banquet
- Organisation logo featured on event signage and the digital programme
- Priority access to invite-only networking session with investors and event partners
Corporate Diamond
$20,000
4× Corporate Gold · 2× Corporate Platinum
- 24 General Delegate tickets and 8 VIP upgrades
- Reserved seating block
- 8 invitations to the Kings Banquet
- Dedicated exhibition table at Threads of Africa Exhibition
- Organisation branding across event collateral (main stage backdrop, programme, digital signage)
- Priority access to invite-only networking session with investors and event partners
- Speaking or panel opportunity
Booking five or more General Delegate tickets? Contact convening@weelevateafrica.org for the 10% group discount.