The Canada Ghana Chamber of Commerce (CanCham) will convene chief executives, financiers, policymakers, and investors at its CEOs’ Connect 2026 event on Thursday, August 20, 2026. This high-level business dialogue, held at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra, aims to address how Ghanaian and Canadian companies can raise the necessary capital to expand beyond their domestic markets. The event, scheduled from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., marks a significant moment for cross-border economic collaboration.
The forum’s theme, 'Financing the Future: Capital Strategies for Cross-Border Business Expansion', directly addresses a critical need for Ghanaian businesses. As Ghana's government actively pursues economic recovery and investor confidence, the focus for business leaders has shifted from considering expansion to effectively financing it. This event provides a crucial platform for practical solutions and strategic partnerships in this evolving economic landscape.
This year’s CEOs’ Connect coincides with CanCham’s 10th anniversary, highlighting a decade of fostering economic ties between Ghana and Canada. The event’s timing is particularly relevant given Ghana’s current economic agenda, which includes efforts to restore investor confidence and implement the 24-Hour Economy programme. Such initiatives underscore the government's commitment to creating an environment conducive to business growth and international investment, making the discussions at CanCham’s event highly pertinent.
A distinguished panel of experts will lead discussions, representing various facets of the financing chain. Panelists include Abena Amoah, Managing Director and CEO of the Ghana Stock Exchange, and Simon Madjie, CEO of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre. Dr. Mary Awusi, CEO of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, and Cynthia E. Gnassingbe-Essonam, Director of Private Sector Engagement and Communications at the AfCFTA Secretariat, will also participate. Calleb Osei, Country Chief Financial Officer of Guaranty Trust Bank Ghana, completes the panel, offering insights into commercial bank lending. These individuals collectively cover domestic capital markets, foreign direct investment, export-oriented manufacturing, and continental market access, providing a comprehensive view for delegates.
The event will also feature special remarks from prominent guests, including Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, Republic of Ghana. Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama, Governor of the Bank of Ghana, and Myriam Montrat, Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, are also expected to deliver addresses. Their presence underscores the importance both governments place on strengthening economic cooperation and facilitating investment between the two nations.
Following the panel discussion, a business-to-business (B2B) networking session will allow participating companies to engage in targeted meetings. This segment is designed to facilitate partnerships, investment, and trade collaborations, transforming the event from a discussion forum into a 'deal room'. This practical approach has historically been a key factor in the success of CEOs' Connect events, leading to tangible outcomes for businesses.
Discussions will cover five key areas: access to capital, including structured and blended finance; investment and private equity opportunities, such as venture capital and development finance; cross-border partnerships for market access and technology transfer; the policy and regulatory environment for foreign direct investment; and high-growth sectors like energy, agribusiness, and technology. This broad scope ensures that a wide range of business interests and financing needs are addressed.
Mrs. Edwina Atta-Sonno, CEO of the Canada Ghana Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the event's practical focus. She stated, “Ghanaian businesses are not short of ambition; what they are often short of is the right kind of capital, structured on the right terms.” She added that CEOs’ Connect 2026 aims to connect capital allocators with those who need it, embodying the Chamber's commitment to practical economic diplomacy in its tenth year of operation.
The implications of this event are significant for Ghana’s economic development and its international trade relations. By facilitating access to capital and fostering cross-border partnerships, CEOs’ Connect 2026 can help unlock new growth opportunities for Ghanaian enterprises. Decision-makers and markets will closely watch the outcomes, particularly regarding new investments and collaborations that emerge from the B2B sessions. This initiative supports Ghana’s broader economic recovery and expansion goals.