Olori Atuwatse III calls for homegrown solutions to African challenges

Her Majesty Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom, has called on African leaders and stakeholders to prioritize homegrown solutions to the continent's development hurdles. Speaking at a press conference in Accra, the co-founder of Elevate Africa emphasized the need for stronger connections between the continent’s abundant resources, capital, and leadership. The briefing served as a precursor to the Elevate Africa Annual Convening 2026, themed "Africa: Defining Her Future," which seeks to create a platform for Africans to take ownership of their development trajectory.

During the session, Olori Atuwatse III observed that while Africa possesses the necessary tools and solutions to address its unique challenges, there remains a persistent gap in the confidence required to implement them effectively. She urged a shift in mindset, advocating for a narrative where African talent and leadership are at the forefront of shaping the continent's destiny. By fostering stronger internal links, she argued, Africa can move beyond dependency and toward sustainable, self-driven growth.

Dr. Rex Idaminabo, Chief Partnership Officer of Elevate Africa, supported these sentiments, highlighting the organization's commitment to bridging the gap between resources and opportunities. He noted that the upcoming convening is designed to mobilize discussions on how best to leverage African talent and capital. The focus remains on strengthening the infrastructure of cooperation across borders to ensure that the continent's potential is fully realized through strategic partnerships and shared vision.

The Elevate Africa Annual Convening aims to bring together various sectors to brainstorm and implement strategies that utilize indigenous resources to define Africa's future. By centering African perspectives and leadership, the initiative hopes to accelerate progress across the continent. The event in Accra marks a significant step toward creating a unified front for African development, encouraging stakeholders to look inward for the expertise and innovation needed to solve local problems.