ACCRA, GHANA — The Africa Energy Technology Centre (AETC) is proud to announce that H.E. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations, will feature as a keynote speaker at the 3rd Africa Energy Technology Conference (AETC 2026), taking place from May 19–21, 2026, at the Labadi Beach Hotel.
A Strategic Convergence of Vision
This historic participation is the direct result of a high-level strategic engagement led by the Founder and President of AETC, Emelia Akumah, during a visit to the Commonwealth Secretariat ahead of the 2026 summit. The discussions highlighted a powerful spread of aligned synergies between the AETC and the Commonwealth, particularly in the areas of climate resilience, digital innovation, and the socio-economic empowerment of women and youth across the 56 member states.
The Secretary-General’s presence at AETC 2026 underscores a mutual commitment to leveraging technology as a bridge for intra-African trade and global cooperation. As the first woman from Africa to lead the Commonwealth, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey’s engagement at AETC 2026 is both historic and deeply symbolic of the “African Excellence” the conference seeks to champion.
Ghanaian Excellence on the World Stage
Prior to her appointment as the 7th Secretary-General of the Commonwealth on 1 April 2025, Botchwey served as Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration. Her tenure was marked by transformative digitization and a strengthened diplomatic footprint experience that now serves a mandate covering 2.7 billion people, over 60% of whom are under the age of 30. This demographic focus speaks directly to the heart of AETC’s Youth Energy Entrepreneurship & Incubation Program (YEEIP).
From Borders to Bridges: A Commonwealth Spirit
Secretary-General Botchwey has been unambiguous about her priorities: equipping women and young people with the tools to thrive and revitalizing trade and investment. These goals find a perfect home within AETC 2026’s theme: “From Borders to Bridges.”
“We are truly honoured to welcome Secretary-General Botchwey to the AETC stage,” says Emelia Akumah, Founder and President of AETC. “Her participation is a testament to the strong alignment between the Commonwealth’s mission and our vision for a technologically sovereign Africa. To have such a celebrated daughter of Ghana and a leader of the global community address our delegates is a moment that will define this edition of AETC.”
About AETC 2026
The Africa Energy Technology Conference is the continent’s premier platform for energy innovation, technology, and strategic policy. Organized by the Africa Energy Technology Centre in partnership with the Ministry of Energy, Ghana, the 2026 edition focuses on youth entrepreneurship, women’s leadership, and pioneering the green industrial value chain.
Secure your place now! Visit www.aetconference.com or contact +23326 880 0800 | +233 50 251 9909 for sponsorship, participation, and registration.
