Mr. George Opare Addo, Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, is set to speak at the 2026 edition of the Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD), where he will address participants on day two of the high-level forum.

The announcement adds to the growing list of prominent policymakers and thought leaders expected at APD 2026, which brings together government officials, business leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators from across the continent to discuss Africa’s economic transformation.

Mr Opare Addo, a lawyer and youth advocate, has a long history of public service and youth leadership.

At just 27 years old, he became Ghana’s youngest Municipal Chief Executive, leading the Akuapem North Municipal Assembly from 2009 to 2017.

In his current role as Minister, he is spearheading key initiatives such as the 'Adwumawura' Programme and the National Apprenticeship Programme, aimed at expanding youth employment, entrepreneurship, digital skills development and agribusiness opportunities across the country.

A former two-term National Youth Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Opare Addo is also credited with pioneering Ghana’s first-ever Youth Manifesto, a policy framework that placed the aspirations and challenges of young people at the centre of national political discourse.

At APD 2026, the Minister’s keynote address will focus on how Africa’s single market can be leveraged to unlock economic growth, expand intra-African trade and strengthen collaboration among policymakers, entrepreneurs and innovators.

His address is expected to highlight practical pathways for empowering young people and small businesses to fully benefit from the opportunities created by continental integration.

The Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2026 will be held under the theme: “Empowering SMEs, Women and Youth in Africa’s Single Market: Innovate. Collaborate.

Trade.” The forum aims to advance conversations around inclusive growth and the effective implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).