The Elevate Africa 2026 conference brought together prominent figures, including Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio and Ghanaian Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, in Accra on October 28-29. The gathering produced the Accra Declaration of Commitment, a 19-point document calling for stronger African integration, reparatory justice, and practical reforms by regional institutions. The declaration was signed in a personal capacity by the attendees, positioning it as an invitation to governments rather than a binding policy instrument.
The Accra Declaration of Commitment focuses on three priorities: addressing the historical consequences of the transatlantic slave trade, accelerating economic integration and trade, and rebuilding leadership and public trust. It invites the African Union, the AfCFTA Secretariat, and national governments to translate its proposals into policies and programmes. The declaration also calls for recognition of slavery's enduring consequences, including the return of ancestral remains and cultural property, access to historical archives, and formal apologies where necessary.
The declaration draws a distinction between reparations and ordinary financial transactions, aligning with broader continental efforts to address historical injustice. Earlier in 2026, discussions at a United Nations Permanent Forum session in Geneva highlighted the restitution of the Benin Bronzes, including the return of over 100 objects to Nigeria. This move demonstrates progress in addressing historical injustices and promoting cultural restitution.
On economic integration, the declaration urges faster implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), visa-free arrangements, and mutual recognition of qualifications. The AfCFTA covers a market of over 1.4 billion people, with a combined GDP exceeding $3.4 trillion, and is projected to generate $450 billion in additional income by 2035. However, intra-African trade remains at approximately 14% of total trade, highlighting the need for tangible improvements.
The declaration also addresses the issue of intellectual property protection, improved financing, and African-owned distribution platforms for creative industries. Olori Atuwatse III noted that Africa earns only about $1 from every $100 generated through global trade in creative goods, emphasizing the need for stronger intellectual property protection and more equitable distribution of economic returns.
The declaration's call for actionable reforms by regional institutions confronts a documented implementation challenge. The African Union's First Biennial Continental Progress Report on Agenda 2063 recorded an overall implementation score of 53%, describing progress as "moderately positive but uneven". The report identified systemic gaps, including the disconnect between planning and budgeting, limited fiscal space, and weak implementation capacity.
Elevate Africa will serve as the secretariat responsible for tracking commitments, with a progress report expected within 12 months. The next convening is scheduled for Freetown, Sierra Leone, in 2027. The declaration's proposed 12-month progress report could provide an early test of its effectiveness, particularly if it distinguishes completed actions from pledges and identifies responsible institutions, measurable indicators, and supporting evidence.
Key points
- The Accra Declaration of Commitment calls for stronger African integration, reparatory justice, and practical reforms by regional institutions.
- The declaration urges faster implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and visa-free arrangements.
- Elevate Africa will serve as the secretariat responsible for tracking commitments, with a progress report expected within 12 months.
