By Nnasom David

The 2026 edition of the 100 Most Notable Africans Leadership and Business Summit has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with African leaders, diplomats and business executives calling for stronger regional integration, cross-border investment and collaboration to drive sustainable economic growth across the continent.

The summit, held in Marrakech, Morocco, was themed, “Uniting Africa’s Change Makers for Growth and Impact: A Gate to Sustainable Development.” It convened policymakers, investors, development partners, entrepreneurs and thought leaders from across Africa to deliberate on strategies for unlocking the continent’s economic potential.

Organisers said the summit has evolved into one of Africa’s leading platforms for promoting the implementation of AfCFTA by fostering dialogue between governments and the private sector while showcasing investment opportunities across the continent.

Project Director Africa of the summit, Amb. Dr. Kingsley Amafibe, through the DAVDAN Peace and Advocacy Foundation in collaboration with 100 Most Notable Peace Icons Africa, said the initiative was designed to reposition Africa as a destination for investment, innovation and global partnerships.

The event attracted several high-profile participants, including Ghana’s Ambassador to Morocco, H.E. Mrs. Charity Gbedawo; Rwanda’s Ambassador to Morocco, H.E. Shakilla Kazimbaya Umutoni; Chief Executive Officer of Lugumi Enterprises Limited, Tanzania, Lugumi Saidi; Mayor of Casablanca, Nabila Rmili; Senior Advisor at Trade and Development Bank Group, Kenya, Reginald Max; Managing Director of BGM Group and Founder of Jets and Partners, Yassin El Moussi; Founder of GOTNI Leadership Centre, Dr. Linus Okorie; and Founder of the Hanan Buhari Foundation, Aisha Hanan Buhari, among other dignitaries.

Throughout the summit, speakers highlighted Africa’s abundant natural resources, youthful population and growing entrepreneurial ecosystem, stressing that deeper collaboration between governments and businesses remains essential to transforming the continent into a major player in the global economy.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to individuals recognised for their contributions to leadership, peacebuilding, entrepreneurship and sustainable development across Africa.

Recipients included Hanan Buhari, daughter of Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari; Director of Finance and Accounts at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Asu Kunemofa; former member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Hon. Dozie Nwankwo; President of the Circle of Global Business Women, Lesotho, Dr. Sindiswa Mzamo; Group Chairman of River Valley Group, Zimbabwe, Engr. Dr. Mncedisi Dube; His Royal Highness Vho Midiyavhathu Tshivhase Dynasty of South Africa; and Chief Executive Officer of Seven Oceans Oil and Gas Limited, Engr. Samuel Alabi, among others.

Speaking on the significance of the summit, Amafibe said the initiative was helping to reshape international perceptions of Africa by showcasing the continent’s leadership, innovation and investment opportunities.

“The summit is intentionally designed to change the global narrative about Africa by highlighting the immense opportunities that exist across the continent. We are bringing together governments, investors, business leaders, innovators and development partners on one platform to foster meaningful dialogue and strategic partnerships that will drive sustainable growth,” he said.

He added that Africa should increasingly be viewed as a destination for investment, enterprise and global collaboration rather than aid, noting that the summit remains committed to supporting the implementation of AfCFTA while promoting economic integration, peace and shared prosperity across the continent.