By Nana Achiaa Aboagye
Swakopmund, Namibia — The Africa Economic Leadership Council (AELC), as part of the Invest in Africa 2026 Trade Expo and Business Summit, hosted a vibrant Africa Day Gala Dinner and Awards ceremony under the theme, “Celebrating African Excellence, Unity and Shared Prosperity.” The event brought together policymakers, diplomats, business leaders and development stakeholders to honour achievements in leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation and contributions to Africa’s economic transformation agenda.
Held in Swakopmund, the gala underscored the growing momentum towards regional integration and intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.
AELC reaffirms commitment to intra-African trade and economic transformation
The Co-founder and Summit Director of the Africa Economic Leadership Council, Heinrich Hafeni, speaking under the banner of the Africa Economic Leadership Forum, reflected on the Council’s establishment in 2021 as a platform to accelerate intra-African trade and private-sector engagement.
He emphasised that Africa’s economic future depends heavily on private-sector participation, stronger policy alignment and increased awareness of AfCFTA opportunities across the continent, stating an ambitious goal of ensuring that at least 90% of Africans understand AfCFTA within five years.
Illustrating trade potential, he cited emerging cross-border opportunities such as Namibian milk exports to Uganda and Cameroonian avocados entering wider African markets, noting that such exchanges demonstrate the viability of a fully integrated African marketplace.
However, he raised concerns about persistent structural barriers, particularly:
- Limited access to finance for entrepreneurs.
- Low participation of financial institutions in trade development forums.
- Regulatory and administrative challenges in business registration and cross-border trade.
He called on financial institutions, investment agencies and business registration bodies to actively exhibit at continental forums and support entrepreneurs more visibly and effectively.
The speaker further urged policymakers to simplify access to AfCFTA-related opportunities, emphasising that Africa’s economic transformation will require collaboration among governments, financial systems and the private sector.
In a personal reflection, he shared an inspirational anecdote about his grandmother, describing her as a symbol of resilience and strength that continues to guide his leadership philosophy.
He concluded by congratulating award recipients and urging African leaders and entrepreneurs to believe in the promise of AfCFTA and work collectively to unlock the continent’s economic potential.
Zimbabwe calls for unity, Ubuntu and youth investment
Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Namibia, Melody Chaurura, delivered a keynote address emphasising unity, resilience and shared prosperity across Africa.
She highlighted Africa’s progress while stressing that true prosperity must be inclusive and widely shared, reinforcing the philosophy of Ubuntu — the belief in collective humanity and interconnected success.
The Ambassador praised award winners for their innovation and resilience, urging continued investment in young people in alignment with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 vision for a prosperous, integrated continent.
She further called for:
- The removal of trade barriers across African states.
- Stronger support for local innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Full implementation of AfCFTA frameworks to unlock regional markets.
She concluded by encouraging participants to carry forward the spirit of unity into their daily leadership and business practices, reinforcing that Africa’s transformation depends on solidarity and cooperation.
Namibia highlights trade leadership and economic diversification
Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, addressed delegates during the Africa Investment Summit segment of the event, commending the success of the summit and the role of AELC in fostering continental dialogue and cooperation.
She noted Namibia’s symbolic significance during May, which includes both Workers’ Day and Africa Day, framing the summit as part of a broader reflection on labour, unity and development.
The Minister highlighted Africa’s vast economic potential, particularly in:
- Renewable energy.
- Agriculture and agro-processing.
- Digital innovation and transformation.
She reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to economic diversification, industrialisation and sustainable development, positioning the country as a strategic trade gateway for the region.
AfCFTA was described as a “historic opportunity” to deepen intra-African trade, but she stressed that its success depends on continued investment in:
- Infrastructure development.
- Skills and workforce training.
- Digital transformation.
- Cross-border trade partnerships.
She also emphasised the importance of policy frameworks that enable African businesses to compete globally while ensuring that economic growth benefits all citizens.
The Minister called for continued storytelling of Africa’s success stories to inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators.
She concluded by commending AELC for organising the event and expressed optimism that the summit would strengthen partnerships, attract investment and reinforce confidence in Africa’s economic future. She also congratulated all award winners for their contributions to development and innovation.
