KAMPALA – Ugandan businesswoman and philanthropist Jane Frances Acilo has been named a Global Ambassador of the Elevate Africa Global Ambassadors Program. This recognition strengthens her platform to champion African leadership, amplify the continent’s voice, and advance initiatives that create meaningful social impact.
Acilo received the recognition during the Elevate Africa Convening 2026, held on 28–29 October at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, Ghana, under the theme Africa: Defining Her Future. The appointment highlights the importance of African leaders who combine influence with purpose, build strategic relationships and help shape the continent’s future through meaningful action.
For Acilo, whose community development work is rooted in the Jane Acilo Foundation, the appointment offers an opportunity to connect local impact with a broader continental agenda focused on inclusive growth, community empowerment and advancing Africa’s global standing.
“Africans must tell Africa’s story, with conviction, credibility and pride. 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,” said Acilo.
Advancing community impact beyond borders
Through the Jane Acilo Foundation, Acilo leads initiatives in community development, women’s and youth empowerment, education and community wellbeing. Her appointment as a Global Ambassador provides an opportunity to amplify these priorities in broader discussions about Africa’s development and the role of African leadership in addressing challenges across the continent.
The recognition also underscores the need to connect grassroots initiatives with strategic partnerships, institutional support and networks that can expand their reach and impact. As Africa navigates inclusive development, opportunity creation and global representation, Acilo believes leadership should be measured not only by visibility but by the difference it makes in people’s lives.
“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. 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,” she said.
A gathering of continental leadership
The Accra convening brought together distinguished African leaders and influential voices to discuss the continent’s future, leadership, governance, economic integration and global positioning.
Prominent figures at the gathering included 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.
The engagements reinforced the importance of African-led solutions, cross-border collaboration and partnerships that turn shared ambitions into tangible outcomes. For Acilo, engaging with leaders from across the continent reaffirmed the value of building relationships beyond national boundaries to create opportunities for collective progress.
“Leadership is ultimately about what we contribute, the relationships we build and the doors we open for others. 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,” she said.
Acilo thanked Elevate Africa for the invitation, trust and recognition, emphasizing that the appointment is both an honor and a responsibility to contribute to the continent’s progress. Her appointment adds a Ugandan voice to a growing continental network committed to shaping Africa’s narrative, strengthening partnerships and advancing a future where African leadership and community-driven progress receive greater global recognition.