Eastern Expo 2026 to position region as investment hub -Minister

Ghana's Eastern Region is preparing to launch its inaugural Eastern Expo 2026, a significant initiative designed to unlock the region's economic potential through trade, tourism, and investment. The expo is scheduled to take place from September 26 to October 3, 2026, in Koforidua.

Under the theme 'Unlocking Opportunities for Sustainable Trade, Tourism and Investment,' the event aims to establish the Eastern Region as a prime destination for business and investment, aligning with the government's 24-hour economy policy. Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey launched the expo, emphasizing its role in promoting local economic development, attracting foreign and domestic investment, and fostering stronger partnerships.

"The Expo is intended to serve as a platform for promoting local economic development, attracting investment and strengthening partnerships," Minister Awatey stated. She explained that the initiative goes beyond a typical exhibition, representing a strategic effort to showcase the region's diverse opportunities, support enterprise growth, and equip local businesses to compete effectively in both domestic and international markets.

The Minister highlighted the region's strengths, including its rich agricultural base, vibrant commercial centers, and key tourist attractions like Boti Falls, Aburi Botanical Gardens, Kwahu Mountains, and the Akosombo Dam. Its proximity to Accra and accessibility to other regions further enhance its potential for trade, logistics, manufacturing, and investment. However, Awatey acknowledged the challenges faced by many micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), particularly limited access to finance, markets, technology, and infrastructure, which the expo aims to address.

Several government projects are underway to improve the region's business environment, including the Afram River Bridge, the Farmer Services Centre at Takoratwene, a proposed Food and Beverages Industrial Park, and a planned Kwahu Airstrip. Minister Awatey stressed the importance of moving from discussion to action to drive development, emphasizing the need for value addition in agriculture, such as processing crops like cocoa, oil palm, and cassava into finished products to meet global standards.

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The Expo is intended to serve as a platform for promoting local economic development, attracting investment and strengthening partnerships.