Ghana is set to host the 2026 edition of the Forty Under 40 Africa Summit and Awards, an event that organisers say will bring together young leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs from across the continent.
According to the organisers, participants under the age of 40 from more than 22 African countries are expected to gather in Accra for a series of activities ahead of the awards ceremony, scheduled for Saturday, 14 February 2026, at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City.
Events planned in the lead-up include a Champions Summit, a Valentine Fashion Show and an exhibition aimed at showcasing Ghanaian craftsmanship to a continental audience.
Delegates were expected to begin arriving in Ghana earlier this week.
The Champions Summit will be held under the theme “Resetting the African Mind: A Giant Step Towards Global Dominance”.
Organisers say speakers from Kenya, South Africa, Ghana and the United Kingdom will take part in discussions focused on leadership, innovation and Africa’s development trajectory.
The programme is being delivered in partnership with several government institutions, including 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, according to the event’s organisers.
The partnerships, they say, are intended to position Ghana as a hub for youth leadership, enterprise development, tourism and investment.
Nominees are also expected to take part in curated cultural experiences, including a showcase of Ghanaian cuisine at Kanzo Republic.
A multi-day programme described as a “Ghana experience”, scheduled to run from 9 to 13 February 2026, will bring together nominees, finalists, delegates and industry leaders. The experience is being supported by the financial technology company PayAngel, organisers said.
The Forty Under 40 Africa Awards is a continental initiative that recognises young Africans for contributions to business, innovation and social development. The platform also serves as a networking forum for policymakers, creatives and business leaders.
The awards were initiated by Xodus Communications Limited and have previously been held in countries including South Africa and Ghana, as well as in the United Kingdom and Dubai.
Organisers say the 2026 edition is intended to highlight Africa’s next generation of leaders while reinforcing Ghana’s role in pan-African cultural and leadership initiatives.
