Enterprise Leaders & Innovators Society for Africa (Elisa) will bring together entrepreneurs, investors and institutional leaders from across the continent to Hwange for the 2026 Elisa Business Summit, a Pan-African gathering focused on practical pathways for building and scaling enterprises across African markets.
The summit will kick off on March 19 under the theme Business Beyond Borders.
It is expected to attract business leaders and innovators seeking to explore strategies for expanding enterprises across the continent while strengthening collaboration within Africa’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“Discussions at the summit will examine key issues shaping enterprise development in Africa, including cross-border trade frameworks, access to capital, supply chain development and leadership for scaling businesses in multiple markets,” Elisa communications coordinator, Denzel Mhepo, said.
“Speakers and contributors will include entrepreneurs, investors, and institutional leaders drawn from across Africa’s diverse business landscape.”
Mhepo said the programme will feature plenary discussions, masterclasses designed for emerging entrepreneurs and executive forums tailored for established business leaders.
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One of the highlights will be the Beyond Borders Live Pitch, where selected founders will present innovative ventures addressing opportunities that span multiple African markets.
The summit will also host the Enterprise Leaders Dinner, an invitation-only gathering that will recognise emerging enterprise leaders and participants in the Elisa Business Scholars programme.
The programme supports founders through training, mentorship, coaching, and one year of guided venture development.
According to organisers, the summit is designed to prioritise practical action and collaboration, focusing on real solutions and partnerships rather than high-level rhetoric.
The event will be held at Gwango Heritage Resort, with delegates also accommodated at Hwange Safari Lodge and other hospitality establishments in the area.
Organisers say the long-term vision is to establish the Elisa Business Summit as an annual Pan-African convening in Hwange, bringing together leaders committed to strengthening enterprise development, investment flows and cross-market collaboration across the continent.
The Elisa is a Pan-African, multi-sector platform established by the International Centre for Professional Development, a non-profit organisation based in the United States.
Elisa convenes entrepreneurs, operators, investors and policy-adjacent leaders through flagship forums including the Elisa Business Summit and Elisa Confab.
The platform is focused on strengthening enterprise capability, cross-border collaboration and practical execution across African markets.
Its mission is to connect African founders and leaders globally, enabling peer learning, practical exchange and the development of viable enterprises that drive job creation and long-term economic growth across the continent.