African leaders have called for stronger institutions, investment in skills and long-term planning to drive economic transformation across the continent.
Speaking at the Elevate Africa Annual Convention 2026 in Accra, Ghana, on Wednesday, Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio urged leaders to turn political independence into tangible economic progress.
Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan called for investment in education, science and technology, while former Mauritian President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim highlighted weak infrastructure and fragmented markets as barriers to growth. She said the African Continental Free Trade Area could boost industrialisation and intra-African trade.
Convention co-founder Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, urged leaders to invest in future generations and draw on the African diaspora’s expertise. Tema Mayor Ebi Bright stressed that continental policies must deliver tangible benefits to local communities.
Held under the theme “Africa Defines Its Future”, the convention brings together leaders and investors to discuss governance, trade, youth development and the creative economy. The discussions are expected to contribute to an Accra Declaration on African leadership.
