Togbe Afede XIV, the Agbogbomefia of Asogli, has been invited to be a “distinguished panelist” at Harvard’s Africa Development Conference (ADC), set to take place on the 12th and 13th of April 2024 at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

ADC stands as the premier global platform for meaningful discourse on Africa’s development and facilitates crucial conversations that shape the continent’s future. Heads of state and influential figures, such as Kenyan President William Ruto, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Angolan President João Lourenço, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and Former Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam, are set to come together to share progressive policies, fostering partnerships for Africa’s development.

This year’s theme, Africa Delivers: Pragmatic Paths to Prosperity, spotlights the continent’s progress and potential amid global challenges, spanning vital sectors such as law, governance, international relations, economics, business, technology, environment, security, health, education, media, and arts.

The organizers are excited about the inclusion of a panel devoted to trading in and with Africa, a realm in which they believe Togbe’s wealth of knowledge and expertise is invaluable. The panel will explore the transformative potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and its implications for the future of trade in Africa, and discuss how it can strategically address energy supply and transportation infrastructure challenges.

As the Executive Chairman of World Trade Centre Accra, and a member of the Board of the World Trade Centres Association, New York, the organizers believe Togbe’s “deep engagement in the field of trade and commerce” makes him an ideal panelist, and that, his leadership and contributions to the establishment of companies demonstrate his expertise in finance, economics, corporate advisory, and infrastructure development—all of which are crucial aspects of trade in Africa”. They expressed their belief that Togbe’s insights will greatly enrich the discussion on the transformative potential of AfCFTA and sustainable trade partnerships and contribute to the collective dialogue on Africa’s development journey.

This assembly of prominent personalities highlights the event's significance as a platform for dialogue and collaboration on practical solutions to propel the continent towards sustainable development, and underscores the importance of leveraging African leaders' knowledge and experience in this regard.

Thus, the invitation of Togbe Afede XIV, who had been a participant at Harvard’s Annual Global Empowerment Meeting, not only honors his contributions to economic development in Africa but also provides a forum for him to share his vision for the continent and his insights into strategic approaches for overcoming infrastructure deficits and ensuring energy security.

The Harvard Africa Development Conference 2024 is poised to be a landmark event, offering actionable insights, and fostering partnerships that will be instrumental in unlocking Africa's economic potential.