Elegbede Abiodun
His Majesty, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has been announced as the keynote speaker for the 2026 African Development Conference (ADC), set to take place from April 17th to 18th at the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Law School in the United States.
The event, organized by the Harvard African Law Association, will bring together global leaders and scholars to discuss the theme “Reclaiming Africa’s Agency in a New Global Order.”
The Olu of Warri’s selection as keynote speaker highlights his growing influence on the global stage and his commitment to reshaping Africa’s leadership dynamics in the face of changing global power structures.
The Monarch will address the conference on the topic “A New Era of Leadership in Africa: Value, Institutions, and Influence.” His participation is especially significant as it underscores the increasing recognition of traditional African leadership roles in shaping contemporary governance and development.
As the leader of the Itsekiri people, His Majesty has consistently advocated for strong institutions, cultural preservation, and a future-focused leadership model that is poised to align with Africa’s evolving global standing.
His speech is expected to delve into how Africa can strengthen its institutional frameworks to assert greater influence on the world stage.
Key participants and influential figures include Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Organization; Dr. Sidi Would Tah, President of the African Development Bank Group; Her Excellency Ameenah Gurib Fakim, former President of Mauritius; Serge Ekue, Board Chairperson of the West African Development Bank; and Nigeria’s Minister of State for Finance, Prof. Taiwo Oyedele.
The presence of such distinguished leaders emphasizes the conference’s importance in shaping Africa’s future leadership trajectory, with the Olu of Warri playing a pivotal role in this discourse.
The announcement follows the Olu of Warri’s involvement in a global discussion on climate responsibility and the future of the energy transition, which took place at the Ford Foundation Center for Social Change in New York City in March 2026.
