Uche Ogah Delivers Global Keynote at Innovate Africa Conference in Rwanda

Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, Ph.D., Founder and President of Masters Group of Companies and former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, has delivered the Global Keynote Address at the just-concluded Innovate Africa Conference 2026 in Rwanda.

The conference brought together African Heads of State, policymakers, investors, business leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, creatives, development institutions and industry experts to explore Africa’s trillion-dollar economic opportunities through strategic collaboration, investment, innovation and policy transformation.

Ogah’s keynote address, titled “Energy as Economic Sovereignty: Powering Africa’s Industrial Rise to a Sustainable Trillion-Dollar Economy,” focused on the strategic role of energy in driving industrialisation, economic independence and sustainable growth across the African continent.

The former minister also contributed to high-level discussions on energy, oil and gas, and mining, and participated in a panel session titled “Prosperity: Energy and Mining as the Foundation of Africa’s Industrial Future.”

Other distinguished global speakers at the conference included His Excellency Jeremiah Kpan Koung Sr., Vice President of the Republic of Liberia; His Excellency Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria; Dr. Telesphore Ndabamen, Rwanda’s Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources; Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, a distinguished Nigerian pharmacist, business executive, entrepreneur and public affairs advocate from Arochukwu, Abia State; and Paul Izeoma Chinda, Head of Microsoft Practice at CDW Corporation, who also delivered a keynote address.

The gathering provided a platform for African and global leaders to exchange ideas, explore strategic partnerships and examine innovative solutions to the continent’s pressing economic and developmental challenges.

Ogah’s participation underscored the growing importance of visionary leadership, strategic thinking and cross-border collaboration in advancing Africa’s industrial and economic transformation.

As the continent continues to pursue industrial growth, energy security, sustainable development and economic prosperity, participants at the conference emphasised the need for bold ideas, strategic investments and transformative leadership capable of turning Africa’s vast opportunities into lasting economic impact.

Ogah’s keynote engagement further highlighted the critical role of energy and natural resources in laying the foundation for Africa’s industrial future and its ambition of building a sustainable, trillion-dollar economy.

The Innovate Africa Conference therefore served as a celebration of African excellence, innovation and leadership, while reinforcing the message that Africa’s future will be shaped by bold ideas, strategic investments and the courage to transform opportunities into sustainable impact.

Africa Rising. Africa Innovating. Africa Transforming.