Ghana to court global investors during FIFA World Cup 2026

The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), in collaboration with the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), and the Ghana Export-Import Bank (Ghana Exim Bank), is set to embark on a major investment promotion campaign in Canada and the United States during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The initiative will be held in Montreal, Toronto, and Philadelphia and is aimed at positioning Ghana as a stable, competitive, and investor-ready destination while leveraging the global attention surrounding the World Cup.

Ghana courts Canadian investment through Toronto Business Forum

The engagements are expected to bring together investors, business leaders, trade associations, members of the Ghanaian diaspora, and government officials to explore investment opportunities across key sectors of the Ghanaian economy.

The forums will showcase major national development initiatives, including the Big Push Agenda, the 24-Hour Economy policy, and the Volta Economic Corridor Project, while highlighting opportunities in energy, agribusiness, manufacturing, mining and minerals value addition, healthcare, tourism, real estate, and the digital economy.

Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Chief Executive Officer of GIPC, Simon Madjie, said the engagements are designed to convert global interest in Ghana into tangible investment outcomes.

"The FIFA World Cup provides Ghana with an exceptional opportunity to engage the global business community and attract investments that will contribute to our long-term economic transformation. Through these forums, we intend to showcase Ghana's investment potential, deepen investor confidence, and build lasting partnerships that will continue well beyond the tournament," he stated.

According to him, the initiative is also expected to increase diaspora participation in national development and create a pipeline of bankable projects for potential investors.

As part of the programme, GEPA will officially open its first Ghana Trade House in Philadelphia, a move expected to strengthen Ghana's trade presence in the United States and create new opportunities for exporters.

Chief Executive Officer of GEPA, Francis Kojo Kwarteng Arthur, said the facility would serve as a gateway for Ghanaian businesses seeking access to international markets.

"The Ghana Trade House is not just a physical space; it is a strategic platform that will help Ghanaian businesses connect with buyers, investors, and partners in one of the world's largest markets. It will strengthen the visibility of Made-in-Ghana products and create new pathways for export growth," he said.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Dr Mary Awusi, described the World Cup as a unique platform for showcasing Ghana's industrial potential to the world.

"Through the Invest Ghana Business Forums, we are showcasing the strength of Ghana's Free Zones Programme and the country's readiness to support export-oriented industries, industrial transformation, and long-term investor partnerships," she stated.

For his part, the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Exim Bank, Sylvester Adinam Mensah, said the engagements would support efforts to expand Ghana's export sector and attract investment into value-added production.

"These engagements will help unlock new opportunities for Ghanaian businesses, strengthen investor confidence, and support the growth of value-added exports, which remain critical to Ghana's economic development agenda," he noted.

The initiative forms part of Ghana's broader strategy to promote industrialisation, infrastructure development, value addition, and job creation while positioning the country as a preferred destination for business and investment in Africa.

Officials believe the forums and exhibitions will help convert the international visibility generated by the World Cup into concrete investment deals, strengthen diaspora engagement, and reinforce Ghana's reputation as a gateway to West Africa for trade and investment.

ANAS/MA

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