Accra is set to host some of Africa’s most influential young leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs under the age of forty as the 2026 Forty Under 40 Africa Summit and Awards gets underway.
Industry leaders from 22 African countries arrived in Ghana from Sunday, February 8, to participate in a series of high-profile activities leading up to the awards ceremony scheduled for February 14, 2026, at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra. Key events include the Champions Summit, a Valentine Fashion Show, and an exhibition showcasing Ghanaian craftsmanship to the rest of the continent.
The Champions Summit will be held under the theme “Resetting the African Mind: A Giant Step Towards Global Dominance” and will feature speakers from Kenya, South Africa, Ghana and the United Kingdom, who will share insights on innovation, leadership and Africa’s development trajectory.
The event is being organised in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts; the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment; and the Diaspora Affairs Office under the Office of the President. These collaborations position Ghana as a strategic hub for youth leadership, enterprise development, tourism and investment on the continent.
As part of the programme, nominees will experience Ghanaian cuisine at Kanzo Republic, while the broader itinerary highlights the country’s cultural heritage, tourism destinations, creative economy and emerging investment opportunities.
Ahead of the awards night, a curated multi-day Ghana experience, powered by PayAngel, will be held from February 9 to 13, bringing together nominees, finalists, delegates and industry leaders from across Africa.
The Forty Under 40 Africa Awards is a continental platform dedicated to recognising outstanding young Africans who are driving innovation, building sustainable businesses and contributing to economic and social development. Speaking ahead of the event, Founder of the initiative, Richard Abbey Jnr, said the platform has recognised over 2,000 high-performing leaders across various industries since its inception, helping to build a strong pan-African leadership network.
He noted that the 2026 edition promises to be a landmark gathering that celebrates Africa’s next generation of leaders while reinforcing Ghana’s role as a centre for culture, leadership and Pan-African excellence. The awards, initiated by Xodus Communications Limited, have previously been held in South Africa, the United Kingdom, Ghana and Dubai.
In a related development, Richard Abbey Jnr paid a courtesy call on the Ga Mantse ahead of the fifth edition of the awards, during which he formally presented the Forty Under 40 Africa trophy to the Chief of Accra. The visit formed part of preparatory activities for hosting the event in Accra and highlighted respect for traditional authority and Ghana’s cultural significance as host nation.
Source: citinews
