Veep, energy minister, business leaders to chart Africa’s future

… at Ishmael Yamson & Associates Business Roundtable 2026

Some of Ghana’s and Africa’s most prominent political and business figures will convene in Accra on May 28 for the twelfth edition of the Ishmael Yamson & Associates (IYA) Business Roundtable, as the long-running executive forum expands its scope from national policy dialogue to a platform for continental economic strategy.

The one-day event, themed ‘Unlocking the Next Quarter Century’,  will be held at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and is expected to attract up to 1,000 in-person delegates alongside more than 15,000 virtual participants across Africa.

Vice-President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang will deliver the keynote address on leadership, governance and Africa’s economic future. She will be joined by the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Jinapor; Sam Jonah, executive chairman of Jonah Capital; Ralph Mupita; and pan-Africanist legal scholar PLO Lumumba.

Organisers say the forum aims to generate actionable insights to accelerate Africa’s transformation into a global economic force by 2050, with discussions structured around five pillars: digital infrastructure, trade and regional integration, energy and industry, leadership and governance, and societal development.

The prominence given to trade integration reflects renewed focus on the African Continental Free Trade Area, which covers a market of more than 1.3 billion people with a combined gross domestic product estimated at US$3.4 trillion, but continues to face uneven implementation. Ghana’s role is particularly significant as host of the AfCFTA secretariat, positioning the country at the centre of efforts to translate the agreement into commercially meaningful outcomes.

Energy is also expected to feature prominently. Ghana’s power sector remains under financial strain, with legacy debts and structural inefficiencies weighing on industrial competitiveness. Dr.  Jinapor’s participation will drive engagements regarding these constraints substantively, including the balance between financial sustainability and reliable supply.

On the digital front, Africa’s infrastructure gap remains stark, with the continent accounting for roughly 17 percent of the global population but less than one percent of data centre capacity. MTN Group, led by Mr Mupita, is among the key private-sector players investing to close that gap, underscoring the link between connectivity, data infrastructure and future economic growth.

Beyond sectoral issues, the forum will also address leadership and global competitiveness, themes that have gained urgency amid a more fragmented international trading environment and intensifying competition for capital. Contributions from figures such as Mr. Jonah and Prof. Lumumba are expected to frame the governance and institutional questions underpinning Africa’s long-term trajectory.

Participation has been structured to reflect the event’s position as a high-level convening. Standard registration is priced at GH¢3,000 (US$300), while a ‘VIP.

Leadership Circle’ package at GH¢10,000 (US$1,000) is targeted at senior executives seeking deeper engagement and curated networking opportunities. Registration is open via the event’s official platform — brt.ieyamson.com — with organisers encouraging early confirmation amid strong interest from institutions, professionals and emerging leaders.

Based in West Legon, Accra, (No. 15 Ato Ahwoi Avenue) Ishmael Yamson & Associates said the Roundtable continues to evolve as a bridge between public policy and private capital, with its expanded continental focus reflecting a broader shift toward coordinated African economic thinking. Ishmael Yamson & Associates can be reached on email via :[email protected] and telephone on 233248625707 or 233 244161372.

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