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October 30th - 31st | 9am Daily

Africa : The Next Chapter

Convening 2025

Venue: Royal Aria, Tlokweng, Gaborone, Botswana.

Supported By : The Government of Botswana. Botswana Flag

Registration Closed

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About Elevate Africa Convening

The Elevate Africa Annual Convening is the flagship event of Elevate Africa. Following the success of the 2024 edition in Abuja, Nigeria, this year’s gathering will take place in Gaborone, Botswana, uniting Africa’s foremost leaders, policymakers, industry pioneers, creatives, and thinkers.

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Date

30th - 31st October 2025 | 9am Daily

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Venue

Royal Aria, Tlokweng, Gaborone, Botswana.

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Convening 2025

Africa: The Next Chapter

Africa: The Next Chapter is a high-level platform designed to weave together bold conversations on governance, trade, and identity into a unified, future-facing vision for the continent.

This convening aims to align national aspirations, continental collaboration, and Africa’s cultural power—culminating in a shared manifesto for Africa’s future.

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Event Agenda

Shaping Africa’s Future, One Session at a Time

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Keynote Addresses

Be inspired by thought leaders, innovators, and trailblazers from across Africa and the globe as they share powerful insights on shaping Africa’s next chapter. These keynote sessions set the tone for the convening and spark bold conversations.

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Plenary Sessions

Engage in dynamic discussions that bring together diverse voices—youth, policymakers, creatives, and entrepreneurs—tackling Africa’s most pressing challenges and opportunities through dialogue, debate, and collaboration.

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Changemaker's Lounge

A vibrant networking hub designed for meaningful connections. Meet fellow changemakers, share ideas, and spark collaborations that extend beyond the convening—building partnerships that drive real impact.

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Speakers

Voices Shaping Africa’s Next Chapter

Speaker 1

Her Royal Majesty
Olori Atuwatse III

Queen Consort of Warri (Co-Host)

Speaker 1

H.E Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim

President of Mauritius from 2015 to 2018.

Speaker 5

Her Excellency, Joyce Banda

Former President of Malawi

Speaker 5

Hon. Taa Wongbe

House of Representatives, Representative, District 9 – Nimba County, Liberia. Member, ECOWAS Parliament

Speaker 4

Hakeem Kae-Kazim

Actor and Film Producer

Speaker 5

Hon. Emma Theofelus.

Member of Parliament & Minister of Information and Communication Technology of Namibia

Speaker 5

Namhla Mniki

Sustainability Catalyst Development Economist Senior Policy Advisor

Speaker 5

Dr. Vumile Msweli

Founder of the Hesed Africa Foundation. South-Africa.

Speaker 5

Hon. Governor Kadiva Hamutumwa

Governor of Ohangwena Region Republic of Namibia

Speaker 5

Dr Yvonne Thompson CBE

Founder WINTRADE Global Women intra & Entrepreneurs Network

Speaker 5

His Worship Oarabile Motlaleng

Mayor of Gaborone Botswana

Speaker 5

Sam Shivute

Commissioner of the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) & Vice Chairperson of the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF).

Speaker 5

Efosa Ojomo

Director of the Global Prosperity, Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation

Speaker 5

Athman Ali

Head of Partnerships – Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East, Africa (CEMEA). Visa Government Solutions.

Speaker 5

Mr. Kinapara Coulibaly

Chief Executive Officer, Bureau National d'Études Techniques et de Développement (BNETD), Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.

Speaker 5

Ms. Edith Akridge

Politician and Women’s Advocate, & Advisor to H.E. Joyce Banda

Speaker 5

Peter O. Jolapamo

Partner and Managing Director, Alirity Africa

Speaker 5

Josh Wilson

Founder and Managing Director of Global Venture Partners.

Speaker 5

Her Royal Highness Senator Princess Ncengencenge Dlamini

Senator and member of the Eswatini Royal Family.

Speaker 5

Elizabeth Jack-Rich

CEO, Elin Group

Speaker 5

Nonyelum Ujam

Director for Government Affairs at Microsoft (West Africa)

more speakers coming soon...
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Moderators

Speaker 1

Pat Dambe

Director of Marketing & Brand Diamond hub. Minister of Minerals and Energy

2025

Elevate Africa convening Event Board.

Speaker 1

Dr. Vumile Msweli

Founder of the Hesed Africa Foundation. South-Africa.

Dr. Vumile Msweli is the Founder of the Hesed Africa Foundation, a Pan-African organisation dedicated to empowering youth, advancing careers, and creating sustainable solutions across Africa. Under her leadership, the Foundation has become one of the continent’s most influential platforms, with a presence in South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Botswana, and the United States. Beyond careers, Dr. Msweli has pioneered water conservation projects that reduce costs and create jobs in rural communities.

An accomplished scholar, she holds degrees from the University of London, New York University, Harvard, and a Doctorate in Education Management. Professionally, she has worked with Barclays, Investec, Nedbank, and Vodafone, and consulted for global clients including Google and Bidvest Bank. Recognised internationally, she has been named among the United Nations’ 50 Under 50 Female Founders and Africa’s 40 Under 40. A sought-after global speaker, she has addressed the African Union, TEDx and the Women’s Economic Forum.

Speaker 1

Busie Matsiko

Founder & President of the New York Africa Chamber of Commerce (NYACC)

Busie Matsiko is a #1 bestselling author, global speaker, and award-winning advisor and consultant. A distinguished global strategist and Wall Street veteran, she serves as President of the New York Africa Chamber of Commerce and is a board trustee of Berkeley College. Busie is a leading figure in fostering economic partnerships between Africa and global markets, drawing on her extensive experience at Smith Barney and Citibank to inform her work with multilateral institutions.

Her impressive career includes founding innovative ventures like Fashion Indie, leading the Africa Future Summit, and launching the RESET platform during the pandemic. Busie's #1 bestselling book, Create the Life of Your Dreams, along with numerous accolades such as the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, highlight her significant contributions. As a Special Advisor on Private Sector Development for a project created under the auspices of UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, she plays a vital role in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals across Africa and beyond.

Speaker 1

Ambassador Phebean Swill

The media entrepreneur.

Ambassador Phebean Swill is a famous and multi award winning influential broadcast journalist, event host, actress, filmmaker, and lecturer.

The media entrepreneur who uses her storytelling skills to create movies, documentaries and shows that target a positive behavioral change through edutainment has been honored with multiple awards including; One of the 50 Most Influential Women in Sierra Leone, One of the 100 Most Influential Young Africans, One of the 100 Most Inspiring Young Leaders in Africa, One of the 100 Corporate Women in Sierra Leone, 40 under 40 Africa, Africa Youth Icon, Best TV Presenter, Best Actress, etc.

The Youth Ambassador has been a broadcaster since 2009, starting out her broadcast career at age 17.

She currently works at the Africa Young Voices (AYV) Media Empire on DSTV channel 399 as a television and radio news anchor and presenter of the empire's flagship news and current affairs programs; Wake Up Sierra Leone, AYV on Sunday, and Prime Time News.

The 2021 Mandela Washington Fellow and 2019 Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneur is the CEO of WOW Studio 232, a content creation company that specialises in behavioural change communication strategies.

Ambassador Phebean Swill is also a lecturer at the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology - Sierra Leone Campus.

Her Phebe Swill Foundation conducts school tours, helping with career guidance sessions and public lectures to help shape the minds of the younger generation.

During the covid pandemic, she conducted a training session for some commercial sex workers on the ShePreneurship Project, which helped to transform them from commercial sex workers to business women, supporting them with capital and business management knowledge.

"Integrity, empathy, and service to God are my strongest virtues," Ambassador Phebean Swill emphasises.

Speaker 1

Dr. Segun Adebayo

African policy researcher.

Dr. Segun Adebayo is an African policy researcher, thought leader, and strategist working at the intersection of governance, technology, and culture. A leading voice on food sovereignty and biosafety policy, he serves as a key policy resource to Nigeria’s National Assembly and actively shapes continental debates on agriculture, biotechnology, and indigenous seed protection.

He is the Founder and Executive Director of the Centre for African Policy Research and Advisory (CAfPRA), a growing policy hub dedicated to developing alternative policies for Africa’s development. Created to address the continent’s chronic gap in indigenous research, CAfPRA operates in Nigeria and Ethiopia and is currently advancing policy amendments on biosafety, seed patenting, migration, education, African research, and other critical areas shaping Africa’s future.

Dr. Adebayo is also the Deputy Director and Co-Founder of the Center for Food Safety and Agricultural Research (CEFSAR), through which he has led advocacy against patented biotech seeds that threaten Africa’s sovereignty, promoting regenerative farming systems rooted in the continent’s ancient agricultural traditions.

With a first degree in Forestry and Wildlife, his background in AgroForestry informs his pioneering work in agractivism—bridging science, grassroots movements, and institutional policymaking. Over the years, he has featured in more than 100 media appearances across Africa, amplifying his call for African-led, decolonized development.

Beyond policy, Dr. Adebayo is a brand and media strategist with a record of shaping the success of iconic African talents including Sinach, Eben, and Blaqbonez, cementing his influence in the continent’s creative economy. He also brings more than 16 years of expertise in cybersecurity, reflecting a rare versatility that connects digital ecosystems, reputational strategy, and policy innovation.

Speaker 1

Ipupa Fadeyi

Career & Leadership mentor

Ipupa Fadeyi is a career & leadership mentor, and the founder of IpupaK Grow You, a personal and professional development initiative established in 2019. With combined experience in human capital development, operations management, and port logistics, she made history as the first female Port Operations Manager at the Namibian Ports Authority.

Her work spans Namibia, Nigeria, and across the SADC region, where she delivers soft skills training essential for workplace success, mentors young professionals, and empowers emerging leaders to take ownership of their career growth. Under her leadership, IpupaK Grow You has supported over 1,500 individuals through mentorship, coaching, career conferences, and capacity-building programmes.

Ipupa is also a regular columnist in a Namibian newspaper under the column “CEO of Your Career” and frequently serves as a speaker, advisor, and mentor on youth development and leadership initiatives. She has served on several public and private boards, including the Namibia Airports Company, Momentum Metropolitan Holdings, and New Era Publications, where she contributed governance insight and human capital expertise.

Academically, Ipupa holds a Master of Business Leadership (MBL) from the University of South Africa (UNISA), a Bachelor of Human Resources Management from the University of Namibia, and a Higher Education Diploma from UNAM. She is also a certified Organisational Development Practitioner (UNISA) and completed advanced studies in African Feminist & Gender Studies (UNISA). Her international training includes certifications in Senior Ports Management (Galilee College – Israel) and Port Operations (EM Normandie Business School – France), among others.

Driven by a passion for raising a generation of globally competitive professionals, Ipupa is now pioneering the IpupaK Young Professionals Network, a leadership and innovation ecosystem dedicated to preparing young professionals and emerging leaders for the future of work, executive leadership, and board readiness.

Speaker 1

Dr. Bola Preye Ayo

CEO & Founder, Trillion Global Presidential Consulting (TGPC)

Ambassador Dr. Bola Preye Ayo is a globally respected strategist, lawyer, business leader, philanthropist, and peace ambassador whose influence spans Africa, the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East. With over 17 years of distinguished experience in political consulting, international business strategy, high-level negotiations, and reputation management, she is one of the most sought-after advisors to governments, presidents, and business leaders worldwide.

She also serves as Proprietress & Director of Celia’s Group of Schools ( Creche , Nursery, Primary, Secondary) a 40 plus year-old institution founded by her late mother, which continues to shape generations through excellence in education and leadership development.

Through Trillion Global Presidential Consulting (TGPC), Dr. Ayo has built a powerhouse consultancy that advises governments, drives presidential campaigns, facilitates foreign direct investment, and brokers multi-million-dollar partnerships. Her long-standing relationships with some sitting African presidents and world leaders go back many years, positioning her as a trusted confidante and strategic bridge between Africa and the global community.

Her career journey has spanned law, finance, real estate, and oil & gas, before evolving into global government consultancy and political lobbying. Today, she is recognized as a master of discreet negotiations and silent diplomacy, shaping national strategies and forging international alliances at the highest levels.

At the heart of her work lies a philosophy of integrity, legacy, and vision. She believes true success is measured not only by influence or wealth but by the impact left behind. This conviction fuels her mentorship, philanthropy, and commitment to raising future leaders.

Her contributions have earned her international honors including Political Strategist of the Year, Most Influential Women Award, and recognition as a Peace Ambassador.

Beyond business, she is a prophetic voice, minister, and humanitarian, extending scholarships, mentorship, and community empowerment across Africa.

As TGPC expands globally, Dr. Ayo’s vision remains clear: to position Africa as a central pillar in global trade, investment, and diplomacy, transforming billions into trillions, and ensuring that leadership always meets legacy.

Speaker 1

NATASHA DLAMINI 🇿🇼

Board member for women to women South Africa.

Natasha Dlamini is an actress , chief in editor for SheAfrique magazine , UNHCR advocate, and a youngest board member for women to women South Africa which is helping hundreds of women in African countries affected by conflict and raising funds through effective and innovative partnerships.

She describes herself as "suspended in an act of constant creation". Dlamini is committed to amplifying authentic African voices and creating space for others to be seen and empowered. With her background in law and advocacy she partners with brands to tell stories that are rooted in purpose, culture and connection.

Book your seat now

Registeration Closed
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Schedule

Convening Agenda

30

October 2025 Time: TBA
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Royal Aria, Tlokweng, Gaborone, Botswana

Plenary 1: Presidential Round table – Steering the Next Chapter for Africa (Governance & Policy Roundtable)

An executive conversation on continental priorities, governance reforms, and policy alignment to catalyze Africa’s next chapter.

Leaders examine coordination across states and blocs, discuss regulatory modernization, and outline pragmatic roadmaps for accountable, growth-oriented governance.

30

October 2025 Time: TBA
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Royal Aria, Tlokweng, Gaborone, Botswana

Plenary 2: Transformational Leadership

Exploring leadership models that unlock trust, scale institutions, and deliver outsized development outcomes.

Case studies on values-based leadership, execution discipline, and talent compounding across public, private, and social sectors.

30

October 2025 Time: TBA
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Royal Aria, Tlokweng, Gaborone, Botswana

Plenary 3: Natural Resources and Sovereign Wealth

How to translate resource endowments into sustainable wealth creation and intergenerational prosperity.

Topics include royalties optimization, SWF governance, value-addition/beneficiation, and transparent revenue management.

Change Makers’ Lounge

30

October 2025 Room 1 · Time: TBA
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Royal Aria, Tlokweng, Gaborone, Botswana

Catalyzing Governance Reforms: Policy Labs for the Next Era

Hands-on policy sprints to prototype practical reforms with measurable outcomes.

Participants co-create implementation toolkits: diagnostics, draft bills, stakeholder maps, and rollout timelines.

30

October 2025 Room 2 · Time: TBA
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Royal Aria, Tlokweng, Gaborone, Botswana

How Africa Can Leverage Technology to Leapfrog Ahead

Showcasing scalable tech playbooks—ID rails, payments, AI, climate tech—for rapid development gains.

Focus on interoperability, public-private collaboration, and resilient infrastructure patterns.

31

October 2025 Time: TBA
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Royal Aria, Tlokweng, Gaborone, Botswana

Plenary 1: Sustainable Infrastructure for Economic Transformation

Blueprints for power, transport, and digital backbones that crowd-in private capital and enable growth.

Includes de-risking instruments, PPP design, and maintenance/operations discipline.

31

October 2025 Time: TBA
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Royal Aria, Tlokweng, Gaborone, Botswana

Plenary 2: Creative Capital – Re-imagining the Future of Africa’s Culture & Creative Economy

From storytelling to studios to distribution—turning culture into investable, exportable value.

IP protection, financing vehicles, and cross-border monetization strategies.

31

October 2025 Time: TBA
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Royal Aria, Tlokweng, Gaborone, Botswana

Plenary 3: Bridging Borders – Unlocking Trade Through Seamless Intra-Africa Payments

Payment interoperability, FX liquidity, and policy coordination to supercharge AfCFTA trade.

Focus on instant rails, cross-border compliance, and settlement innovations.

Change Makers’ Lounge

31

October 2025 Room 1 · Time: TBA
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Royal Aria, Tlokweng, Gaborone, Botswana

Marketing Africa to the World: From Narrative to Commerce

Turning brand equity into trade flows—tourism, exports, investments, and diaspora channels.

Practical frameworks for campaigns, marketplaces, and cross-border fulfillment.

31

October 2025 Room 2 · Time: TBA
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Royal Aria, Tlokweng, Gaborone, Botswana

She Leads: Innovating for Inclusive Power in Africa

Tactical playbooks for advancing women’s leadership across sectors and scaling inclusive ecosystems.

Mentorship models, capital access pathways, and policy levers for parity.

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Convening Registration

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Faqs

Frequently Asked quetions

You can register to attend the Elevate Africa Annual Convening 2025 by completing the Interest Form. Once submitted, you'll receive updates directly via email, including details on sessions, speakers, and other important information related to the convening.

The convening is open to everyone who shares our vision for Africa’s next chapter! We welcome youth leaders, creatives, entrepreneurs, professionals, and change-makers from all walks of life. If you’re passionate about shaping Africa’s future, we’d love for you to be part of the conversation. Simply indicate your interest through our official registration portal to get started.

While Elevate Africa is not providing travel or accommodation funding, we are committed to making participation accessible. Our team is working to secure discounted rates at verified hotels and airlines for confirmed delegates. These options will be shared on the convening webpage and via email with registered attendees to support affordable planning.

Absolutely. We welcome strategic partnerships with organizations, institutions, and brands that align with our mission. There are multiple partnership and exhibition opportunities, including hosting business or innovation stalls, co-curating sessions, or sponsoring themed segments of the convening. To explore partnership options, please contact our team via email at partnership@weelevateafrica.org.