The continent’s most influential young leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs under the age of forty will converge in Accra for this year’s Forty Under 40 Africa Summit and Awards.

The industry leaders from 22 African countries, who are expected to arrive in Ghana from Sunday, February 8, this year will participate in a series of events including the champions summit and Valentine Fashion Show and an exhibition showcasing Ghanaian craftsmanship to the continent in the lead up to the awards on February 14, 2026 at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra.

The Champions Summit will be held on the theme “Resetting the African Mind: A Giant Step Towards Global Dominance”, with the exhibition featuring speakers from Kenya, South Africa, Ghana and United Kingdom who will be sharing presentations on moving Africa forward.

The event will be delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment, and Diaspora Affairs under the Office of the President, positioning Ghana as a strategic hub for youth leadership, enterprise development, tourism, and investment in Africa.

Nominees will have  the opportunity  to taste Ghanaian delicacy at Kanzo Repubic. The program will highlight Ghana’s cultural heritage, key tourism destinations, creative economy, and emerging investment opportunities.

Ahead of the Awards Night, a curated multi-day Ghana experiencepowered by PayAngel will be held from 9–13 February 2026, bringing together nominees, finalists, delegates, and industry leaders from over 22 African countries.

Awards

Forty Under 40 Africa Awards is a continental platform dedicated to recognising and celebrating exceptional young African leaders who are driving innovation, building sustainable businesses, and contributing meaningfully to economic and social development across the continent.

Speaking ahead of the event, Founder of the Forty under 40 Awards, Richard Abbey Jnr, stated that since its establishment, the initiative has recognized over 2,000 high-achieving leaders across various industries, thereby fostering a robust pan-African network grounded in leadership, excellence, and impact.

The Forty Under 40 Africa platform continues to provide a unique opportunity for pacesetters, policymakers, creatives, and business leaders to connect, collaborate, and contribute to shaping Africa’s future. The Awards initiated by Xodus Communications Limited are held in South Africa,  United Kingdom, Ghana, Africa continent  and globally in Dubai

The 2026 edition, he said promised to be a landmark gathering that celebrates Africa’s next generation of leaders while reaffirming Ghana’s role as a center for culture, leadership, and pan-African excellence.

In a related development, the Founder Ga Mantse receives trophy ahead of Forty Under 40 Africa Awards, paid a courtesy call on the Ga Mantse ahead of 5th Edition of the Forty Under 40 Africa Awards.

During this visit, he formally presented the trophy to the Chief of Accra.

This engagement forms an integral part of the preparatory activities for hosting the 2026 edition of the awards in Accra, underscoring respect for traditional leadership and acknowledging Ghana’s cultural significance as the host nation.