Olori Atuwatse III Urges Action as Elevate Africa 2025 Begins in Botswana

The first day of Elevate Africa 2025 began today in Gaborone, Botswana, with a compelling call to rethink Africa’s development story under the theme “Africa: The Next Chapter.” Co-founder Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of Warri Kingdom, opened the convening with a message centered on purpose-driven leadership, collaboration, and the need for Africans to take ownership of the continent’s progress.

Founded by His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, the Olu of Warri, and Olori Atuwatse III, Elevate Africa gathered a diverse line-up of speakers from across the continent. Figures such as Femi Taiwo, Wei Neng, Princess Ncengencenge Dlamini, Hon. Kadliva Diana Hamutumwa, Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, and poet I.B. Quakeshared insights that underscored integrity, creativity, and cooperation as foundations for sustainable growth.

A major feature of the day was the Governance and Policy panel session, where speakers including Dr. Gurib-Fakim, Governor Benjamin Cheboi, Hon. Hamutumwa, Dr. Amoakohene, Wu Wei Neng, and Tim Hanstad explored how responsive institutions and inclusive policies can move the continent from potential to performance. Delegates engaged actively, reflecting a shared determination to translate dialogue into action.

Closing the day, Daniel Ikuenobe, Chief Executive Officer of Elevate Africa, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to equipping leaders and shaping systems that work for Africans noting that the platform’s goal goes beyond dialogue.