By Iconic Times Africa
The Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, has called on African leaders to prioritise human capital development, strengthen public institutions and expand economic opportunities, stressing that the continent's future prosperity depends on the potential of its people rather than its abundant natural resources.
The monarch made the call on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, while delivering the opening address at the third Elevate Africa Convening in Accra, Ghana. The two-day gathering is themed “Africa: Defining Her Future.”
The event brought together African presidents, former heads of state, policymakers, traditional rulers, business leaders, investors, development experts, young people and members of the African diaspora to discuss strategies for advancing the continent's development.
Among the dignitaries at the gathering were former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio, former Malawian President Joyce Banda and former Mauritian President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim.
Human Capital Is Africa's Greatest Asset
Speaking at the event, Ogiame Atuwatse III, who co-founded Elevate Africa with his wife, Olori Atuwatse III, emphasised that Africa must move beyond dependence on the extraction and export of natural resources by investing more deliberately in education, skills, innovation, research and entrepreneurship.
According to the monarch, the true measure of a nation's wealth lies in the abilities, creativity and knowledge of its citizens.
He noted that engineers, farmers, researchers, teachers, entrepreneurs and responsible leaders are essential to building a prosperous and sustainable continent.
The Olu of Warri also stressed that leadership should not be judged solely by achievements recorded during a person's time in office, but by the opportunities created and institutions established for future generations.
He challenged African leaders to pursue policies that would continue to deliver positive results long after their tenure had ended.
Africa's Growing Population Requires Strategic Investment
The monarch warned that Africa's rapidly growing population would not automatically translate into economic prosperity without deliberate investments in people and productive sectors.
With projections indicating that more than one in four people worldwide could be African by 2050, he urged governments to prepare the continent's young and expanding population for an increasingly competitive, technology-driven global economy.
He emphasised the importance of strengthening education and healthcare, supporting agricultural development, encouraging innovation and creating an enabling environment where people can succeed based on their abilities rather than personal connections.
Atuwatse III maintained that Africa's demographic advantage would only become a genuine economic asset when governments equip citizens with the knowledge, skills and opportunities required to contribute meaningfully to development.
Call for Stronger African Economic Integration
The Warri monarch also advocated stronger cooperation among African countries, urging governments to deepen economic integration and ensure that continental partnerships deliver practical benefits to businesses, communities and ordinary citizens.
He described Accra as an appropriate venue for the discussions because the Ghanaian capital hosts the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), an initiative aimed at promoting trade and economic integration across the continent.
He called on governments, businesses, universities, traditional institutions and civil society organisations to work together to create opportunities, support innovation and establish institutions that reward competence and excellence.
The monarch cautioned against systems that discourage initiative or make access to opportunities dependent on personal connections rather than merit.
Diaspora Engagement and International Partnerships
Atuwatse III further urged Africans living abroad to contribute their expertise, professional networks, mentorship and resources towards the continent's development.
He said Africa's transformation would require collective commitment from people at home and abroad, alongside meaningful partnerships with international organisations and development partners.
However, he stressed that such partnerships must be built on mutual respect, trust and shared benefits.
The monarch maintained that Africa's long-term progress would depend on the quality of its leadership, the strength of its institutions, the knowledge it produces and its ability to prepare future generations for emerging challenges.
From Dialogue to Measurable Results
As co-founder of Elevate Africa, the Olu of Warri challenged participants to translate discussions at the convening into practical commitments capable of improving the lives of ordinary Africans.
He called for the same level of determination devoted to infrastructure and natural-resource development to be applied to human capital investment, institutional strengthening and youth empowerment.
The monarch also urged today's leaders to create a foundation upon which younger generations can build a more prosperous and self-reliant continent.
He expressed optimism that sustained investment in people, innovation and strong institutions would enable Africa to determine its future with greater confidence and contribute more significantly to global progress.
The convening also featured a presidential roundtable on “Advancing African Leadership,” with former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, former Malawian President Joyce Banda and former Mauritian President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim participating in discussions moderated by BBC journalist Waihiga Mwaura.
The central message of the gathering was clear: Africa's natural resources may provide enormous opportunities, but its people remain the continent's most valuable asset. Building a prosperous future will require leaders to invest in their citizens, strengthen institutions and turn ambitious ideas into measurable development outcomes.
