Elevate Africa: How a Royal Vision Is Reframing the Continent’s Future
“Our history is not a burden it is our strength.” “Africa must not only remember who she is; Africa must guard that knowledge fiercely.”
In Gaborone, Botswana, during the 2025 Elevate Africa convening, a gathering unfolded that sought not merely to discuss Africa’s potential but to embody it. The event brought together policymakers, entrepreneurs, artists, investors and traditional leaders from across the continent and the diaspora, creating a space described as rigorous and collaborative rather than ceremonial.
At the center of the movement is the royal house of the Warri Kingdom His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III and HRH Olori Atuwatse III whose leadership frames Elevate Africa as more than a conference or fellowship. The initiative is presented as a recalibration of identity and intention, positioning Africa not as a continent waiting for opportunity but as one actively architecting its future.
Founded on the belief that Africa must define itself through its own voices, heritage and leadership, Elevate Africa focuses on several core pillars.
These include narrative and media aimed at telling Africa’s stories with dignity and nuance; leadership development rooted in purpose and culture; pan-African convenings that foster cross-border collaboration; and cultural diplomacy that anchors progress in identity rather than erasure.
The Botswana convening featured discussions on natural resource governance, intra-African trade, youth leadership, creative economies, mining, sovereign wealth and cultural identity. Participants moved between policy conversations and cultural expressions, reinforcing the movement’s blend of tradition and forward-looking strategy.
A defining feature of the initiative is its royal stewardship. The presence of the Olu of Warri and HRH Olori Atuwatse III is portrayed as offering cultural legitimacy and moral authority, challenging perceptions of monarchy as outdated and instead presenting it as a stabilising institution capable of inspiring unity and leadership in modern Africa.
The article outlines potential impact areas for Elevate Africa, including reframing the global narrative about the continent, nurturing culturally grounded leaders, strengthening cross-continental collaboration, and demonstrating monarchical soft power in development efforts. However, it also notes challenges, such as ensuring inclusivity across class and geography, maintaining momentum beyond convenings, and translating narrative vision into policy, investment and sustainable structures.
In reflections shared during the convening, HRH Olori emphasised that unity is strategy, survival and power, urging Africa not to imitate the world but to inspire it.
The article concludes that Elevate Africa represents more than an event series; it is framed as a movement aimed at positioning Africa through culture, confidence, continuity and collaboration rather than crisis or comparison.
