Ishmael Yamson Jnr.
The 12th edition of the Ishmael Yamson & Associates Business Roundtable (BRT 2026) ended on a high note with the launch of the Ishmael Yamson Foundation, a new initiative aimed at developing the next generation of African leaders and equipping young people with the skills needed to drive the continent’s future growth.
The launch, which took place in Accra, was one of the key highlights of the annual gathering, which brought together more than 400 participants, including government officials, business executives, development partners, academics, innovators and civil society representatives.
Held under the theme, “Unlocking the Next Quarter Century: Harnessing Africa’s Digital Infrastructure, Trade & Integration, Energy & Industry, Governance, and Societal Development for Global Relevance,” the event focused on strategies for positioning Africa as a competitive player in the global economy.
Speaking at the opening session, the Chief Executive Officer of Ishmael Yamson & Associates, Ishmael Yamson Jnr, said the Foundation would serve as a platform for leadership development, strategic training and youth empowerment across the continent.
According to him, the initiative is intended to prepare young Africans to lead in critical sectors such as agritech, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, governance and cross-border commerce.
“The Foundation is our dedicated vehicle for generational strategy and execution. Through structured incubation and rigorous strategic training, it will equip the brilliant young minds who will scale our agritech solutions, write our sovereign AI algorithms and govern our cross-border institutions,” he stated.
As part of its first intervention, the Foundation sponsored 100 young delegates to participate in BRT 2026, which provided them with direct exposure to business leaders, policymakers and development experts.
Mr. Yamson stressed the need for greater private-sector investment in talent development, noting that Africa’s rapidly growing youth population presents both an opportunity and a challenge.
He urged African-owned businesses to invest more resources in developing the skills and leadership capacity required to drive the continent’s long-term transformation.
The Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, praised Ishmael Yamson & Associates for sustaining the Business Roundtable over the past 12 years and creating a platform for policy and business dialogue.
He said Africa was at a critical moment in its development journey and must seize emerging opportunities in digital transformation, industrialisation and regional integration.
Dr. Forson emphasised the importance of expanding digital infrastructure, strengthening energy security, promoting trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area and investing in human capital development.
The launch of the Ishmael Yamson Foundation, participants noted, represents a significant step towards building a new generation of African leaders capable of driving innovation, strengthening institutions and ensuring the continent’s long-term competitiveness in an increasingly complex global economy.
A Daily Guide Report