Africa Development Conference

New year. New look. 💫

Stay tuned all week as we unveil what’s next for ! 📆

As we wrap up the Fall semester, we are excited to announce the 17th Annual Harvard Africa Development Conference (ADC) 2026.

Taking place on April 17–18, 2026, ADC returns with a timely theme: “Reclaiming Africa’s Agency in a New Global Order.”

At a moment of global realignment, ADC 2026 will convene leaders, thinkers, and practitioners to reflect on Africa’s role, voice, and leadership in shaping what comes next.

Save the date. More to come.

Shoutout to the powerhouse team that made ADC 2025 happen! 💼🔥

Months of planning, countless late nights, and a whole lot of passion brought us here—and the conference kicks off tomorrow! If you see us around, don’t be shy—come say hi! 👋🏾✨

We’re honored to welcome Dr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong to the African Development Conference 2025! ✨
A visionary entrepreneur and one of Ghana’s most influential business leaders, Dr. Sarpong has spent the past three decades building and leading The Special Group of Companies Limited — a conglomerate that includes Special Ice Company, one of Ghana’s top beverage producers, Special Investments Ltd, a major real estate firm, and U2 Iodated Salt.
He is also the co-owner of United Television (UTV), one of the most-watched stations in the country, and Best Point Savings and Loans, which currently ranks as Ghana’s leading savings and loans institution. His businesses have created over 3,000 jobs, significantly contributing to Ghana’s economic growth.
Dr. Sarpong’s influence extends beyond the private sector. He sits on the boards of the Millennium Excellence Foundation, EMY Awards, and other major organizations, and has served on Ghana’s National COVID-19 Trust Fund. A committed philanthropist and advocate for youth empowerment, his leadership continues to inspire the next generation of African changemakers.
We’re excited to learn from his journey at ! 🌍

We’re honored to welcome Vusi Thembekwayo as a keynote speaker at ADC 2025. 🎤🔥
A globally renowned business strategist, venture capitalist, and fearless leader, Vusi is the Founder & CEO of Thembekwayo Legacy Group, MyGrowthFund Ventures, VTCLUB100, and School of Scale.
With 15+ years of experience guiding businesses through complex transformations, he’s a trusted advisor to C-suite leaders and entrepreneurs across the globe.
Get ready for an unforgettable keynote on bold leadership, innovation, and unlocking Africa’s potential.
See you all tomorrow!

🎉 The official ADC After Party is almost here! 🎉
While conference tickets are sold out, after party tickets are STILL on sale and can be purchased through Elevate Social’s website:
🎟️ www.elevatesocial.club
Join us for an unforgettable night of music, dancing, and celebration as we close out ADC 2025!

📣ADC 2025 Conference Bundles are officially SOLD OUT!
We’re so grateful for the overwhelming support and can’t wait to welcome you to a weekend of impactful conversations, cultural celebration, and community building. 🌍✨
Missed out on the conference? You can still attend the official ADC After Party, hosted in collaboration with Elevate Social.
🎟️ Get your tickets here: https://posh.vip/e/elevate-social-boston-412

We’re deeply grateful to our sponsors for their generous support of the Africa Development Conference 2025. 🙏🏾✨ Your partnership helps power meaningful conversations, build bridges across the Diaspora, and amplify African voices shaping the future of the continent and the world.
Thank you for believing in our vision.

🔍 Special thanks to the Ichikowitz Family Foundation—not only a sponsor of ADC 2025, but also the organization behind the African Youth Survey (AYS).
In 2024, 5,604 face-to-face interviews were conducted across 16 African countries, making the AYS one of the most significant research efforts of its kind. Conceptualized and funded by the Ichikowitz Family Foundation, this globally recognized study explores how African youth aged 18–24 view themselves, their rights, and their future in a rapidly changing world.

Africa’s youth are the future—and the present. 🌍✨
Join us for a powerful session on how legal reforms, governance, and international collaboration can empower young people to lead in politics, business, and social justice.
We’ll spotlight the fight for gender equality, the push against gender-based violence, and the policies needed to amplify youth voices and leadership across the continent. 💪🏾🗣️

⚽🥊🏈Sports in Africa are more than a game — they’re a force for economic growth, youth empowerment, and social transformation.
This ADC 2025 panel dives into how African athletes, leaders, and investors can build thriving local industries, unlock global opportunities, and shape the future of sports on the continent. From infrastructure to talent development, we’re talking real impact. Don’t miss it! 🌍🔥