Ghana will host a series of 'Invest Ghana Business Forums' in Canada and the United States during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), and Ghana Export-Import Bank (Ghana Exim Bank) are jointly organising these events. Their goal is to position Ghana as a stable, competitive, and investor-ready destination for global capital.
These engagements, planned for Montreal, Toronto, and Philadelphia, aim to convert the World Cup's international attention into concrete business discussions. The forums will create strategic partnerships and build a pipeline for foreign direct investment into Ghana's crucial economic sectors. Ghana will highlight major national priorities, including the Big Push Agenda and the 24-Hour Economy. Key investment opportunities exist in energy, agribusiness, manufacturing, and minerals value addition.
This initiative fits into Ghana's broader economic strategy of industrialisation, infrastructure growth, and job creation. The 2026 FIFA World Cup offers a unique platform to spotlight Ghana's potential to a global audience. Leveraging major international events for economic promotion aligns with Ghana's long-term development plans. Previous efforts to attract investment have focused on creating a more favourable business environment.
Simon Madjie, CEO of the GIPC, stated the forums aim to enhance Ghana's international investment profile. He expects increased investor interest in bankable projects and greater participation from the diaspora. Mr Madjie emphasised strengthening institutional follow-up for sustained investment promotion beyond the tournament. He urged Ghanaians in the diaspora, business leaders, and strategic partners to participate actively.
Francis Kojo Kwarteng Arthur, CEO of GEPA, underlined the significance of opening GEPA's first Ghana Trade House in Philadelphia. This will boost Ghana's export growth and expand investor visibility into priority sectors. It will also strengthen Ghana's position as a competitive gateway to West Africa. Mr Kwarteng Arthur said this expands opportunities for Ghanaian businesses to compete and grow internationally.
Dr. Mary Awusi, CEO of GFZA, noted that the World Cup provides Ghana with a rare platform to connect global attention with real investment opportunities. She specified that the forums will showcase Ghana's free zones programme and its readiness to support export-oriented industries. Sylvester Adinam Mensah, CEO of Ghana Exim Bank, added that these engagements will unlock new opportunities for Ghanaian businesses. They will also strengthen investor confidence and support the growth of value-added exports.
The combined effort of investment promotion, trade development, and export expansion under one platform aims to boost Ghana's visibility among global investors. Decision-makers and markets will watch for concrete commitments and deals resulting from these forums. The success of this initiative could lead to significant capital inflows and accelerate Ghana's economic transformation. This coordinated approach seeks to convert global interest into tangible economic benefits for the country.