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    Ishmael Yamson & Associates Launches Foundation Aimed at Developing Young African Talent

    New Ishmael Yamson Foundation eyes generational strategy and leadership for a changing global economy.

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    Ishmael Yamson & Associates has launched the Ishmael Yamson Foundation. The launch happened at the 12th Business Roundtable event. This happened in Accra at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel. The Foundation is a new effort for generational strategy. It will also focus on leadership development. Its goal is to prepare young Africans for a changing world economy. The theme of the 2026 Roundtable was "Unlocking the Next Quarter Century: Harnessing Africa’s Digital Infrastructure, Trade & Integration, Energy & Industry, Governance, and Societal Development for Global Relevance." Over 400 people attended in person. This included government officials and business leaders. Many financiers, innovators, and academics were also present. Ishmael Yamson Jnr, the CEO, said the Roundtable is now a strategic gathering. Leaders will shape Africa's next 25 years. He stated the Foundation is for "generational strategy and execution." It will use incubation and training. It will equip young minds for roles in agritech. It will also train them for AI development and governance. The Foundation sponsored 100 young delegates. This shows its commitment to access. It wants emerging professionals to meet decision-makers. Mr. Yamson highlighted Africa's growing youth population. By 2050, the continent could have 1.6 billion young people. He urged business leaders to develop this talent. This is beyond short-term corporate goals. Ethical and skilled leaders are needed. African businesses must fund the continent's future. Huawei and Gold Fields were major partners. They showed confidence in the vision. African-owned firms should invest in people and systems. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Finance Minister, spoke. He commended Ishmael Yamson & Associates. He said Africa is at a crossroads. The next 25 years are crucial. Africa must turn potential into production. It needs value addition and shared prosperity. Dr. Forson called this "perhaps its greatest opportunity since political independence." He asked if Africa will become a production force globally. Africa must not be a passive consumer. He called for a continental digital strategy. This includes data centres and broadband. It also needs digital payments and cybersecurity. AI readiness is important. Digital skills for millions are a priority. Energy security and industrialisation are vital. Trade integration and governance reform matter. Human capital development is key to Africa's transformation. The continent's global relevance is not guaranteed. It must be built through integration and digital transformation. Strong institutions and leadership are needed. A mindset of partnership, not dependency, is required. BRT 2026 focused on moving Africa beyond raw material exports. It aims for retained value and competitive production. African businesses should use the African Continental Free Trade Area. This can build pan-African joint ventures. It can create integrated supply chains. Modern financial infrastructure is also needed for global competitiveness. The Ishmael Yamson Foundation's launch is a key outcome. Its mission aligns with the Roundtable's call. Leaders must move from potential to performance. This requires investing in talent and institutions. A new generation must lead in various sectors.

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