Drive to Inspire — Africa (DTI-A) brought together hundreds of young people from across the continent for the maiden edition of NextUp, held on the sidelines of the Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2026 at the Accra International Conference Centre in Ghana. Under the theme leveraging technology, driving creativity and innovation to scale ventures in Africa, the event created a space for learning, reflection, and conversations about the future of African youth.
The gathering was structured into three main sessions: the Digital Innovation and Emerging Technology panel, the Creative Economy panel, and a fireside chat. Each session brought together experienced industry leaders who shared practical insights, personal journeys, and honest reflections to guide the next generation.
Technology, Skills, and the Future of African Youth
The Digital Innovation and Emerging Technology panel featured Clinton Mbah, CEO of Accrue; Josephine Siaw-Agyemang, founder of Enseigne; Irene Elorm Hatsu Fiebor, Senior Instructional Designer and e-learning Project Officer at Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre; and Richard Anim, CEO of Coral Reef Innovation Africa. The session was moderated by Bernard Dzakpasu, ESG Manager at KPMG West Africa.
Speakers encouraged young people to intentionally prepare for a fast-changing digital world. They highlighted the importance of unlearning outdated thinking, equipping themselves with artificial intelligence skills, and building strong foundational knowledge so technology becomes a tool that amplifies competence rather than replaces it. These conversations helped participants see innovation not just as access to tools, but as a mindset of continuous learning and relevance in a global economy.
Creativity, Ethics, and Sustainable Opportunity
The Creative Economy panel brought together Aku Addy, Brand Architect and founder of Wollo; Bernard Kafui Sokpe, Co-founder and CEO of Jambo Spaces; award-winning artiste Stonebwoy; Edem Kutsienyo, Partner at Africa Legal Associates; and actress and creative industry leader Juliet Ibrahim, President of Women in Film, TV and Creative Media Forum Ghana. The conversation was moderated by lawyer Vanessa Appiagyei.
This session explored how talent can be transformed into sustainable income through discipline, structure, and a clear understanding of the creative business. Panelists also addressed important challenges such as piracy, unfair compensation, online harassment, misinformation, and the need for ethical storytelling that respects dignity and truth. Young creatives were encouraged to prepare for unexpected opportunities, build partnerships, diversify income streams, and remain disciplined in their pursuit of long-term success.
Entrepreneurship, Leadership, and Shared Growth
The fireside chat with Anthony Dzamefe, founder of Caveman Watches, provided practical lessons on building and sustaining a business. He urged young entrepreneurs to embrace early mistakes as learning opportunities, believe in their ideas, identify market gaps through curiosity and experience, and think beyond local markets toward global standards. He also emphasised humility in leadership, teamwork, employee well-being, and continuous personal growth as foundations for lasting success.
Why Platforms Like NextUp Matter
Beyond the panels and conversations, NextUp highlighted an important reality: many young Africans have ideas, passion, and talent, but lack consistent access to practical guidance, industry exposure, and real opportunities for growth. Events like NextUp are necessary because they create spaces where learning moves beyond theory into lived experience, allowing young people to hear directly from those who are building, creating, and leading across different sectors.
DTI-A remains committed to bridging the gap between knowledge and practice by connecting youth with credible voices, relevant skills, and opportunities that prepare them for real-world impact.
Appreciation
DTI-A expresses sincere gratitude to all speakers, moderators, partners, and participants who contributed to the success of the maiden NextUp gathering. Your willingness to share knowledge, experience, and encouragement has planted seeds of possibility in the lives of hundreds of young Africans. The impact of these conversations will continue to grow through the ventures, stories, and innovations that will emerge across the continent.
