London: The Heritage and Cultural Society of Africa (HACSA) Foundation has concluded its 7th Sankofa Summit, hosted for the first time in London. The summit secured commitments to bolster the Tech4Girls Initiative in Ghana, emphasizing the development of digital skills among girls.
According to Ghana News Agency, this year's summit, themed 'Honouring the Past, Empowering the Present, Inspiring the Future,' gathered global influencers to advance progress across Africa and its diaspora, with a focus on enhancing digital skills training for girls. The event took place at prominent venues such as the UK Parliament and the Landmark Hotel, bringing together key figures from various sectors to address Africa's pressing challenges and opportunities.
The summit's finale was marked by a charity gala, where attendees pledged their support for empowering girls and young women through digital skills, leadership, and innovation. The focus was on investing in the Tech4Girls initiative in Ghana, spearheaded by the HACSA Foundation. International guests united to raise funds for the initiative, which aims to provide underserved girls in Ghana and beyond with essential skills in coding, generative AI, entrepreneurship, public speaking, and leadership.
Funds collected during the gala will aid in establishing a dedicated Tech4Girls Academy in Accra, envisioned as a cutting-edge training facility that will equip young women with the resources needed to succeed in the digital economy. Presidential Advisor Joyce Bawah Mogtari, speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, highlighted the significance of initiatives like Tech4Girls in bridging the gender gap in science and technology. She noted the initiative's role in giving girls the confidence and training necessary to explore new career paths.
Ambassador Johanna Svanikier, HACSA Founder and CEO, emphasized the importance of digital fluency, innovation, and job readiness in today's digital age. She reiterated HACSA's commitment to the Tech4Girls initiative, stating that coding represents the new literacy and must include girls in the future of work.
The summit featured dialogue sessions with notable personalities from the diaspora, such as MP Diane Abbott, actor Clarke Peters, DJ and philanthropist Florence 'DJ Cuppy' Otedola, and Vice President of Cartier, Bijou Abiola. A fireside chat between legendary photographer James Barnor and actor Hugh Quarshie celebrated African heritage and storytelling while highlighting the importance of intergenerational dialogue.
The 2025 HACSA Sankofa Summit received endorsements from UNESCO, the Office of Diaspora Affairs, and the Africa Governance Centre, with organizational leadership from UK TV executive Tim Yaw Struthers. The event reinforced HACSA's mission to bridge the gap between the African continent and its global diaspora, preparing the next generation, especially girls, for future opportunities.
