ABOUT US
Africa Economic Leadership Council (AELC) stands as a bold Pan-African force—driven by visionary founders and guided by a distinguished Secretariat and Board of Leaders committed to reshaping Africa’s economic future. We exist to redefine how African entrepreneurs connect, collaborate, and scale across borders—building a united, self-sustaining continental economy.
At the heart of our mandate is unlocking the full potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area. AELC actively unpacks the opportunities within this historic single market—empowering entrepreneurs with strategic intelligence, market access pathways, and the tools required to trade confidently across Africa. We are bridging the gap between policy and enterprise—ensuring AfCFTA becomes a lived economic reality for African businesses.
We are deliberate in building a powerful global African network—one that connects entrepreneurs to markets, capital, and partnerships beyond borders. Through this ecosystem, we enable businesses to transition from local relevance to continental influence and global competitiveness.
Guided by our founders and strengthened by the leadership of our Secretariat and Board, AELC is committed to inclusive economic transformation. We ensure that opportunities are not confined to major cities, but reach entrepreneurs in rural and underserved communities—unlocking grassroots innovation and expanding Africa’s productive capacity.
Through high-impact platforms, strategic convenings, and collaborative frameworks, AELC equips its members to overcome structural barriers, access new markets, and scale sustainably. We are not merely supporting businesses—we are building African champions.
AELC is a movement. A platform. A continental engine of growth.
We are shaping a future where African entrepreneurs trade with Africa, lead globally, and define the continent’s economic destiny.
VISION
Creating a sustainable networking link amongst. African entrepreneurs across the continent.
MISSION
Through networking and collaboration on a global platform, our members will be afforded the opportunity to use available forums and resources to grow and solidify and solidify their respective businesses and, in doing so move beyond the local in pursuit of achieving a global presence
VALUES
Collaboration
Ethical
Progressive
OUR PARTNERS
MEET THE TEAM
Heinrich Hafeni Nghidipaya
Co-founder & President
Heinrich Hafeni is a visionary entrepreneur and dynamic leader with a passion for community development and driving positive change in Africa. Hailing from land of the brave, Namibia, Heinrich has a proven track record of success in the tourism industry and as a leader in his respective field. His passion for tourism stems from his years o f experience as an overland tour guide when he worked in 14 African countries. Heinrich's entrepreneurship career began in 2011 when he founded Hafeni Tourism Group PTY Ltd, a company specializing in cultural & community tourism through township tours in Swakopmund. The company later expanded into the opening of the Hafeni Traditional Restaurant, a local cuisine eatery which caters for both locals and tourists from all corners of the world. Thereafter, the company celebrated yet another milestone in the following years by the opening The Hafeni Bed & Breakfast Lodge in Walvis/ Bay. Heinrich's vision for the Hafeni Tourism Organization is to build an all-inclusive and dynamic tourism organization which tells the happy Namibian story, creating opportunities for many in his community.
