By Moses Desire Kouyo
Ghana is set to host the Accelerate Africa’s Growth Conference (AAGC), a major Pan-African forum dedicated to driving inclusive economic transformation by empowering women, youth, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Organised by Timeless Women of Wonder – Africa (TWOW-Africa), a Pan-African development organisation focused on inclusive growth, the high-level event will take place in Accra from May 24 to 27, 2025.
This year’s conference, themed “Winning with Women and Youth,” is designed to shift the continent from dialogue to tangible action through practical, implementable outcomes.
Celebrating Africa Day with Purpose
The conference will kick off on May 24 with a Breakfast Forum for African Women of Influence, followed by the official opening on Africa Liberation Day, May 25, marked by a public celebration at the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum.
Delegates from across Africa and the diaspora—including participants from Nigeria, Namibia, South Africa, Kenya, and the Caribbean—will convene to shape an agenda of accelerated growth.
Former President John Dramani Mahama will serve as the Chief Guest of Honour and formally open the conference.
Empowering the Real Drivers of Africa’s Growth
At a press briefing in Accra, Conference Convener Nyakan June stressed that AAGC would focus on actionable solutions, led by top African corporate leaders, policymakers, development experts, and private sector actors.
“While women, youth, and SMEs contribute significantly to Africa’s economic vitality, they are often left out of decision-making. This conference seeks to change that by fostering direct engagement between these groups and those shaping policy,” she stated.
June described the gathering as more than just a policy talk-shop:
“The African people are the true dignitaries of this event. This is our story—and now is the time to write it together. We are convening a movement for action, not just promises.”
Diaspora Engagement: A Strategic Priority
Presidential Adviser on Diaspora Affairs, Kofi Okyere Darko, emphasized the importance of the diaspora in the continent’s transformation.
“The diaspora remains one of Africa’s greatest assets—not only through remittances but also via skills, capital, networks, and influence,” Darko said.
He described the AAGC as a vital platform for innovation, policy dialogue, and investment, and reaffirmed the Diaspora Affairs Office’s commitment to facilitating partnerships between diaspora communities and African institutions.
“We will continue to support diaspora-led investments across sectors that align with the goals of this conference,” he added.
The AAGC stands as a bold step toward reframing development narratives, placing Africa’s key contributors at the centre of change.
