By Ngabo Amon
Ugandan businesswoman and philanthropist Jane Frances Acilo has been appointed a Global Ambassador of Elevate Africa, a Pan-African initiative that promotes African leadership, partnerships and community development.
Acilo received the recognition during the Elevate Africa Convening 2026, held from October 28 to 29 at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, Ghana, under the theme Africa: Defining Her Future.
The appointment places Acilo among African leaders working to promote the continent’s interests, strengthen cooperation across borders and support community development programmes.
Speaking after receiving the recognition, Acilo called on Africans to take greater responsibility for telling their own stories and influencing decisions that affect the continent.
“Africans must tell Africa’s story, with conviction, credibility and pride. We must move beyond allowing others to define our continent and take a more active role in shaping the conversations, partnerships and decisions that influence our collective future,” she said.
Acilo is the founder of the Jane Acilo Foundation, which supports community development, women’s and youth empowerment, education and community wellbeing.
Through the foundation, she has been involved in initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and expanding opportunities for vulnerable communities.
Her new role is expected to provide opportunities to establish partnerships with organisations and individuals working in similar areas across Africa.
Acilo said African countries have the talent, ideas and leadership needed to contribute more significantly to global development, but greater cooperation is necessary to achieve practical results.
“Our ambition should not simply be to change how the world sees Africa. It should be to demonstrate, through substance, innovation and results, what Africa contributes to the world. We have the talent, ideas and leadership to shape global progress. What matters now is how effectively we connect our strengths, build meaningful partnerships and translate our potential into measurable impact,” she said.
The two-day gathering in Accra attracted several African leaders and former heads of state who discussed governance, economic integration, leadership and Africa’s position in international affairs.
Among those who attended were former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, former Malawian President Joyce Banda, former Ghanaian President John Agyekum Kufuor, Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio and former Mauritian President Dr Ameenah Gurib-Fakim.
Discussions focused on the need for African countries to work together in addressing development challenges, expanding economic opportunities and strengthening the continent’s representation in global decision-making.
Acilo said her interactions with leaders from different African countries had reinforced the importance of partnerships in supporting community development.
She also called for leadership that creates opportunities for others and produces results at community level.
“Leadership is ultimately about what we contribute, the relationships we build and the doors we open for others. I accept this recognition with gratitude and a clear sense of responsibility. The work ahead is to build meaningful connections, champion Africa’s strengths and contribute to a future in which the continent’s potential is fully realized,” she said.
Acilo thanked Elevate Africa for recognising her work and expressed her commitment to using the ambassadorial role to support initiatives that benefit communities.
The Elevate Africa Global Ambassadors Program brings together individuals from across the continent to promote African perspectives, encourage cooperation and support development initiatives.
