Nigeria, Zimbabwe push continental growth at 2026 iconic Africa summit

Nigeria has renewed its commitment to continental economic integration, youth empowerment, and inclusive development, as African leaders, policymakers, and business figures converged in Harare, Zimbabwe, for the 2026 Iconic Africa Summit & Honors.

The summit, which drew delegates from over 54 countries, provided a strategic platform for advancing Africa’s shared development priorities, with Nigeria’s development agenda aligning strongly with discussions on regional integration, entrepreneurship, and job creation.

Kembo Mohadi, vice president of Zimbabwe, and Tino Machakaire, Zimbabwean minister of Youth led high-level delegations to the event, which was held under the theme: “The Africa We Want: Sustainable Development; Everyone’s Responsibility.”

Addressing participants, Mohadi emphasised the need for stronger regional cooperation, economic reforms, and private sector-driven growth, objectives that resonate with Nigeria’s economic diversification, industrialization, and youth employment drive.

The summit was organized by Iconic International Holdings (Pty) Ltd and the Mayorkings Charity Foundation, under the leadership of Temisan O. Louis, and attracted over 1,000 leaders, policymakers, captains of industry, development partners, and young innovators from across Africa.

Speaking at the event, Louis described the summit as a continental hub for influence, ideas, and impact, urging participants, including Nigerian delegates, to convert commitments into tangible investments, enterprise expansion, and job creation.

“This summit is about translating ideas into measurable outcomes that grow businesses, empower young people, and build a prosperous Africa,” he said.

The summit also spotlighted gender inclusion and youth-led enterprise development, pillars central to Nigeria’s economic growth strategy, through strategic partnerships with Concord For Young Women In Business Global Zimbabwe, led by Amb. Apphia N. Musavengana.

Discussions and panel sessions focused on regional integration, indigenous entrepreneurship, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s trade and industrial policy.

Participants underscored the urgency of dismantling trade barriers, promoting visa-free travel, and strengthening cross-border investments to unlock Africa’s full economic potential, with Nigeria positioned as a key driver of continental commerce.

The event, hosted at the Rainbow Towers & Convention Centre, Harare, also celebrated outstanding African leadership and innovation.

Among the honorees were President of Malawi, Peter Mutharika, recognized for democratic governance; First Lady of Zimbabwe, Auxillia Mnangagwa, awarded Iconic Woman of the Year for her humanitarian interventions; and Zimbabwean Minister of Youth, Tino Machakaire, honored for youth development leadership.

Others included Prince Lindani of Eswatini, Ndahafa Hapulile of Namibia, Frank Mwenechanya of Malawi, and the Babukisi Foundation of Eswatini, who were recognized for contributions in youth empowerment, agriculture, cultural preservation, and leadership.

Observers noted that the outcomes of the summit present new opportunities for Nigeria to deepen continental partnerships, expand market access for Nigerian businesses, and strengthen youth-led innovation in line with its national development objectives

Ruth Tene Natsa

Ruth Tene, Assistant Editor, Agric/Solid Minerals/INEC Ruth Tene is an award-winning journalist with over 15 years experience in developmental reporting across several newsrooms, as a reporter, editor and other managerial roles. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the University of Maiduguri among several other certifications She has attended several trainings and certifications both locally and internationally and has been recognized for her impactful work in humanitarian reporting, receiving the Gold Award for Humanitarian Services from the Amazing Grace Foundation. She is also a recipient of the Home Alliance Fellowship, reflecting her commitment to fostering a more humane, safer and more sustainable planet. An active member of professional journalism bodies, Ruth is affiliated with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), and the Agricultural Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ACAN), where she continues to advocate for excellence, ethical reporting, and development-focused journalism.