Dr. Abena Nyarkoa will speak at the 2026 Africa Together Conference. The event takes place on 22-23 May at the University of Cambridge. The conference theme is “Africa in the Age of Disruption.” Organised by the African Society of Cambridge University, the conference invites African professionals and changemakers. Those participants will discuss Africa’s future. This includes evolving global political, economic, and technological shifts.
Dr. Nyarkoa’s work sits at the heart of education and trade. It also involves advocacy and sustainable growth. This aligns with the conference’s aim. The goal is to explore inclusion, leadership, and access. This is crucial in an era of rapid change. The African Society of Cambridge University stated that Dr. Nyarkoa’s voice is important. Disruption affects many areas, not just technology. It also concerns who gets access and who is included. Leadership must also be reimagined.
The conference will feature other notable figures. Kenya’s High Commissioner to the UK, Makoloo Maurice, will attend. Zambia’s High Commissioner to the UK, Macenje Mazoka, is also invited. The former Minister for Planning and Development of Somaliland, Hon. Cawaale Shirwac, will be present. Young and middle-aged African entrepreneurs and developers will also contribute. Panel discussions will focus on Africa’s development path. They will also examine Africa’s role in a changing world order.
Dr. Nyarkoa will join Dr. Memuna Williams and Dr. Kwabena Bempah Tandoh. Their panel is titled “Africa’s Demographic Dividend: Youth as the Engine of Transformation.” This topic is highly relevant to Ghana’s economic outlook. Ghana has a young population. Harnessing this youth bulge is key to sustained growth. Another session will consider “Africa’s Place in a Fragmenting World Order.” This highlights the complex geopolitical landscape the continent navigates.
Africa Together is the main yearly event of the African Society of Cambridge University. For six years, it has been a vital platform. It fosters dialogue on African leadership and innovation. Sustainable development is a core focus of these discussions. Dr. Nyarkoa brings significant experience in this area. She founded the NKUNIM Education Project. This project tackles disparities in educational opportunities. She is also co-founder of the Trade Growth Network. This network promotes sustainable trade and regional integration.
As a fellow of the Institute of Labour and Industrial Relations, Dr. Nyarkoa has advised on research and NGO matters. She is also a Global Goodwill Ambassador for the UK and Ghana. Her academic research at the University of Warwick focused on education equity. The insights gained from her work are directly applicable to economic policy debates. These debates concern how Ghana can leverage its human capital. They also address how to foster inclusive economic growth.