African leaders push frowth, stronger partnerships in Morocco

African leaders have sought practical strategies for accelerating economic growth, strengthening cross-border partnerships and advancing sustainable development at the 2026 100 Most Notable Africans Leadership and Business Summit in Morocco. The summit brought together diplomats, business executives, policymakers, development experts from across the continent to promote partnerships for sustainable development and recognise outstanding contributions to Africa’s growth. Organised by the DAVDAN Peace and Advocacy Foundation in collaboration with 100 Most Notable Peace Icons Africa, was held at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès Marrakech, located within the Mövenpick Hotel complex, under the theme, “Uniting Africa’s Change Makers for Growth and Impact: A Gate to Sustainable Development.” The gathering served as a strategic platform for discussions on leadership, governance, entrepreneurship, peacebuilding and economic development, while fostering stronger collaboration among Africa’s emerging and established leaders. The event attracted dignitaries, including Charity Gbedawo, Ghana’s Ambassador to Morocco, Shakilla Kazimbaya Umutoni;. Rwanda’s Ambassador to Morocco, Lugumi Saidi, Chief Executive Officer of Lugumi Enterprises Limited, Tanzania, Nabila Rmili; Mayor of Casablanca, Reginald Max, Senior Advisor at Trade and Development Bank Group, Kenya, and Yassin El Moussi, Managing Director of BGM Group and Founder/Chief Executive Officer of Jets and Partners, Morocco. A major highlights of the summit was the presentation of awards to outstanding leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers and professionals whose contributions have significantly advanced leadership, peacebuilding, business excellence and sustainable development across Africa. Kingsley Amafibe, Project Director, said the annual summit has grown into one of Africa’s leading platforms for recognising excellence, promoting visionary leadership, encouraging strategic partnerships and advancing initiatives capable of delivering sustainable peace, inclusive economic growth and socio-economic transformation. Looking ahead, Amafibe also announced that either Tanzania or Zimbabwe will host the 2027 edition of the summit, expressing confidence that the event would continue to deepen continental collaboration and inspire innovative solutions to Africa’s development challenges. Participants reaffirmed commitments to strengthen partnerships, champion good governance, promote sustainable business practices and accelerate initiatives that will drive inclusive development and lasting peace across Africa.