Ugandan businesswoman and philanthropist Jane Frances Acilo has been appointed Global Ambassador for the Elevate Africa initiative, positioning her on a prominent continental platform to champion strategic leadership, cross-border partnerships, and grassroots empowerment.
The founder of the Kampala-based Jane Acilo Foundation received the honors during the Elevate Africa Convening 2026, which took place from October 28 to 29 at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, Ghana. Running under the theme Africa: Defining Her Future, the high-level gathering focused on economic integration, governance, and elevating Africa’s global standing.
The appointment comes at a crucial period as African non-governmental organizations and social entrepreneurs seek to scale local community work into broader continental strategies. Through her foundation, Acilo has led initiatives targeting youth and women’s empowerment, educational access, and community well-being across Uganda.
Speaking after her unveiling in Accra, Acilo stressed the urgency of Africans taking direct ownership of their development narrative and global reputation.
‘Africans must tell Africa’s story, with conviction, credibility, and pride,’ Acilo stated. ‘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.’
The two-day summit brought together current and former African heads of state, including 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 centered on leveraging regional networks to turn policy conversations into practical solutions for ordinary citizens across the continent. Acilo noted that her new role will focus on linking grassroots success stories with high-level institutional support.
‘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,’ Acilo said. ‘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.’
Elevate Africa is a pan-African initiative designed to build collaborative networks, foster homegrown leadership, and reposition the continent’s image internationally. Acilo’s inclusion introduces a Ugandan voice to the body’s diplomatic and social transformation efforts.
Reflecting on her selection, Acilo expressed gratitude to the initiative’s leadership while emphasizing the demanding task ahead.
‘Leadership is ultimately about what we contribute, the relationships we build, and the doors we open for others,’ she added. ‘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.’