The seventh annual Ghana Investment and Trade Week (GITW) opened on Tuesday (July7, 2026) at the Palms Convention Centre in Accra, aimed at driving foreign direct investment and positioning the country as West Africa’s primary commercial hub.
Organised by MIE Events, this year’s three-day summit focuses heavily on green technologies, construction, and renewable energy, reflecting global sustainability shifts and domestic economic priorities.
The previous six editions have connected local enterprises with international investors from nations including China, India, Türkiye, and Italy, according to MIE Group Chairman David Wang.
He noted that these connections have already led to several active or developing manufacturing initiatives across Ghana.
Speaking to reporters after the opening ceremony, Mr Wang expressed confidence in Ghana’s investment potential, citing its political stability, security, and strategic location.
“This platform creates an opportunity for international investors to connect with Ghanaian businesses and explore partnerships that can lead to manufacturing, trade and job creation,” Mr Wang said. He added that the long-term objective is to encourage global companies to establish local operations rather than simply importing goods.
The 2026 summit features more than 100 speakers, 300 international delegates, and exhibitors from over 10 countries, including Libya and Rwanda.
Uur Ahmed, Vice President of MIE Group, stated that the summit aligns with Ghana’s broader economic transformation, specifically supporting the government’s 24-Hour Economy initiative.
The event targets key growth sectors such as electric mobility, smart cities, and sustainable infrastructure to expand domestic industrial capacity.
The Ghanaian government is utilizing the summit to highlight its industrialisation strategy, which aims to transition the nation into a production-driven economy through the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Secretariat.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Presidency, Dr Augustus Goosie Tanoh, Senior Presidential Advisor and Coordinator of the Secretariat, stated the initiative seeks to reduce dependence on raw material exports by boosting local manufacturing and competitiveness.
Dr Tanoh emphasised that affordable, reliable power is critical to this industrial expansion.
He revealed that the Secretariat is co-developing up to 1.5 gigawatts of solar power, supported by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), with construction on an initial 100-megawatt facility expected to begin shortly.
The opening ceremony was chaired by the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, who urged delegates to capitalise on Ghana’s peaceful environment and stressed the importance of collaboration between traditional authorities, the state, and the private sector.
Dr Mary Awusi, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, representing the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, reaffirmed state support for investors.
She highlighted available incentives under the Free Zones Scheme, including tax exemptions and duty waivers.
The event is being held alongside the Africa Build Show and MEGAWATT Africa, featuring investment forums and business matchmaking sessions designed to foster long-term industrial partnerships.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
