Okavango Circle Launched to Amplify Africa's Global Economic Influence

The Okavango Circle, a new initiative aimed at giving Africa a stronger voice in global economic decisions, was launched on September 22, 2026, in New York. Backed by Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko, the Circle seeks to challenge Africa's longstanding dependence on raw mineral exports and promote industrial growth and lasting prosperity. The launch at the Waldorf Astoria attracted senior government officials and international stakeholders, including Botswana's Minister of Minerals and Energy, Bogolo Kenewendo, and Eswatini's Minister of Information, Communications and Technology, Senator Savannah Maziya.

President Boko emphasized the need for Africa to move beyond supplying raw materials and participate more fully in industries, technologies, and financial systems shaping the global economy. He criticized current mineral trade arrangements, which he said were structured to extract ore and cart it away raw to places outside Africa. Boko also highlighted the limitations of governments acting alone and stressed the importance of cooperation with the private sector, research institutions, and international partners.

The Okavango Circle brings together governments, investors, technology leaders, researchers, and industry representatives to examine the growing connections between critical minerals, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and finance. Its Co-Chairs, Ufo Eric-Atuanya, Jude Kearney, and Ijeoma D. Agboti-Obatoyinbo, bring extensive experience in international investment, energy development, infrastructure finance, corporate governance, and global economic engagement.

Ufo Eric-Atuanya, President of Rimsom Global, played a prominent role in advancing the initiative's vision and international engagement. Jude Kearney brings over 25 years of experience in African energy development, international commercial law, and infrastructure finance, while Ijeoma Agboti-Obatoyinbo adds considerable depth to the Circle's investment and financial leadership.

The Okavango Circle's ambition is to strengthen Africa's position within global economic systems through informed engagement, stronger partnerships, and greater participation in decisions affecting the continent's future. Inspired by Botswana's world-renowned Okavango Delta, the Circle carries a distinctly African identity while pursuing an international mandate.

President Boko expressed hope that the initiative would help ensure that Africa's story is shaped and communicated from the continent itself. He also welcomed the possibility of hosting influential international gatherings in Botswana, bringing discussions traditionally held in established global financial and political capitals closer to the countries most directly affected by their outcomes.

The launch of the Okavango Circle marks a significant step towards reshaping global economic discussions and promoting Africa's industrial growth and lasting prosperity. With its strong leadership and diverse stakeholders, the initiative is poised to amplify Africa's voice in global economic decision-making and challenge existing economic arrangements that have historically confined Africa to the lower end of global value chains.

Key points

• The Okavango Circle aims to challenge Africa's dependence on raw mineral exports and promote industrial growth and lasting prosperity.
• The initiative brings together governments, investors, technology leaders, researchers, and industry representatives to examine the growing connections between critical minerals, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and finance.
• The Circle's Co-Chairs bring extensive experience in international investment, energy development, infrastructure finance, corporate governance, and global economic engagement.