Cambridge: Mr Tsonam Akpeloo, Chairperson of the Trade and Industry Cluster at the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council, has been selected as a featured speaker at the 2026 Harvard Africa Development Conference. The conference is scheduled for April 17-18 at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States.
According to Ghana News Agency, the event will bring together global leaders, policymakers, academics, and innovators to deliberate on Africa's development agenda. It is organised by the Africa Caucus at the Harvard Kennedy School and the Harvard African Law Association. The annual conference has, for nearly two decades, served as a major platform for dialogue on Africa's socio-economic transformation. This year's edition is themed 'Reclaiming Africa's Agency in a New Global Order,' aiming to explore actionable strategies for economic independence, policy reforms, and sustainable development across the continent.
Mr Akpeloo's selection marks a significant milestone for Ghana's participation in global policy and development discussions. He joins a distinguished group of speakers, including Mahamudu Bawumia, who previously addressed the conference. Other high-profile speakers include Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations; Ameenah Gurib-Fakim; and Sidi Ould Tah.
Mr Akpeloo will participate in a panel discussion titled 'Moving Up the Value Chain: Pathways to Economic Complexity,' which will examine how African economies can transition from extractive models to value addition and industrialisation. He will also contribute to discussions on technology transfer and enterprise development in Africa. Mr Akpeloo is also scheduled to speak on a second panel titled 'Accelerating Regional Integration: AfCFTA in Practice,' focusing on translating the African Continental Free Trade Area into tangible economic outcomes. Discussions are expected to cover intra-African trade, regulatory harmonisation, and regional competitiveness.
Mr Akpeloo serves as Chief Executive Officer of SUKU Technologies, where he champions digital transformation in commerce. He also plays a key advisory role within ECOSOCC, contributing to policy development on trade and industrialisation. The statement said he is the Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the Association of Ghana Industries and is actively involved in promoting technical and vocational education and training in the country. Mr Akpeloo is expected to bring a broad perspective that integrates policy, private sector insights, and digital innovation. His participation is anticipated to enrich discussions on Africa's industrialisation, trade growth, and economic resilience.
The conference is expected to convene emerging leaders alongside experienced policymakers to foster collaboration and generate practical solutions to support Africa's long-term development and global competitiveness.