I recently participated in the Elevate Africa Conference, where I had the honor to serve as a moderator and MC. The convening took place in Gabarone, Botwana from November 30-31, and it was nothing short of transformational. From the moment the doors opened on Day 1, there was a palpable sense of excitement in the air — the kind that only comes when visionaries, policymakers, and changemakers gather with one mission: to build Africa’s next chapter.
The day was packed with inspiring keynote speeches from and thought-provoking plenary sessions covering a wide range of topics — from governance and policy to transformational leadership and innovation. Each session reminded us that Africa’s greatest asset is not just its natural resources, but its people — the thinkers, builders, and dreamers who are shaping a new narrative for the continent.
This powerful convening was born from the vision of His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, and Her Royal Majesty Olori Atuwatse III, the revered King and Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom in Nigeria. Through Elevate Africa, Their Majesties are redefining what modern African monarchy looks like — using their platform not for symbolism, but for substance.
Their leadership is a reminder that tradition and transformation can coexist. They are showing the world that monarchies in Africa can be catalysts for progress — bridging heritage with innovation, and faith with forward-thinking governance. The Elevate Africa Conference is a living testament to their vision: a platform that gathers leaders, entrepreneurs, and thinkers from across the continent and the diaspora to co-create Africa’s future.
One of the highlights of Day 1 for me was the panel I had the honor of hosting on “Natural Resources and Sovereign Wealth.” The discussion brought together an incredible lineup of leaders and experts:
Together, we explored the critical question: How can African nations transform their natural wealth into sustainable prosperity for their people?
The conversation touched on everything from the importance of transparent governance and local value addition, to the role of sovereign wealth funds in securing intergenerational wealth. We also addressed the growing conversation around resource nationalism — how countries can protect their assets without discouraging investment.
It was a rich and forward-looking dialogue that reinforced one key message: Africa must move from being a supplier of raw materials to becoming a continent that refines, manufactures, and builds industries around its resources.
Day Two was another power-packed experience — and I had the honor of serving as host and MC alongside Modiri, a seasoned PR and communications strategist from Botswana whose insight and energy added so much to the day’s experience.The energy in the room was magnetic as we explored themes that connect Africa’s creative spirit with its economic ambitions.
We began with the plenary on “Creative Capital: Reimagining the Future of Africa’s Cultural and Creative Economy,” celebrating the power of African creativity to shape global culture. Conversations then turned toward sustainable infrastructure, where thought leaders shared actionable insights on how to build resilient systems that drive inclusive growth.
The afternoon’s plenary, “Bridging Borders: Unlocking Trade Through Seamless Intra-African Payments,” brought the conversation home — emphasizing the need for collaboration, innovation, and financial inclusion to make the AfCFTA a true engine of transformation.
From the Elevate Africa Fellows’ Spotlight to a moving Spoken Word Interlude and the Changemakers’ Lounge, the day was filled with moments of reflection, creativity, and connection. We closed with a Reflective Keynote and Commitment Fund Charge, a fitting end to two days of vision-driven dialogue and tangible action steps.
Beyond the panels and keynotes, the most inspiring part of the conference was the people — leaders and innovators who are doing the real work of transformation on the ground.
It was wonderful connecting and exchanging ideas with so many other incredible voices who are driving change across the continent. Every conversation was a reminder that collaboration — across sectors, nations, and generations — is the key to unlocking Africa’s potential.
The conference culminated in a spectacular King’s Banquet — a night that beautifully wove together royal tradition, history, and cultural pride. From the Royal Red Carpet Reception and Orchestral Tribute in Harmony, to the moving presentation of the Royal Anthem of the Warri Kingdom, the evening was a breathtaking celebration of Africa’s regal heritage and timeless grace.
Their Majesties, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, The 21st Olu of Warri, and Olori Atuwatse III, hosted an unforgettable evening that reminded us of the depth and dignity of African royalty — not as relics of the past, but as living symbols of leadership, faith, and renaissance.
For me, it was more than just a banquet — it was a powerful reminder that Africa’s future must be built not only on innovation and policy but also on the preservation and celebration of our roots. We need more moments like this — where tradition meets transformation, and where culture becomes the heartbeat of progress.
As the curtains closed on Elevate Africa 2025, one truth stood tall: this gathering is not just about conversation — it’s about co-creation. From the cultural capital that drives our creativity to the natural wealth that powers our economies, the future of Africa depends on our ability to connect vision with execution.
Because as we witnessed over these two unforgettable days, Africa is not waiting for the future — Africa is building it.