Ghana has launched the Africa Trade Summit 2026 in Accra with a call for African economies to commit to faster industrialization, stronger value addition and a more resilient continental trade architecture, setting the tone for what officials say will be a decisive period for the continent’s economic transformation.
Opening the Summit on Tuesday, July 18, 2025, Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare said Africa’s long-term growth will depend on coordinated action between governments, investors and private-sector actors. She described the Summit as a turning point, arguing that the continent must now move from policy discussions to implementation.
Ofosu-Adjare said Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy initiative sits at the core of the country’s economic direction, aimed at lifting productivity, driving job creation and positioning Ghana as a continuous-production hub for industry and services. She highlighted growing investment in value addition across cocoa, cashew, shea, palm oil, coconut and cassava, sectors she said are critical to shifting Africa away from its dependence on unprocessed commodity exports.
The Minister pointed to recent upgrades in trade logistics as evidence of Ghana’s preparedness to support expanded regional commerce. Phases 1 and 2 of the Tema Port Expansion Project are now complete, while modernization works at Takoradi Port continue. She reaffirmed Ghana’s strong commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area, noting the country’s gains in guided trade and its strategic access to a market of 1.3 billion people.
Ofosu-Adjare urged development partners to ramp up long-term industrial financing, arguing that without sustained capital for manufacturing and regional value chains, Africa risks missing a historic window of opportunity.
Delivering a statement on behalf of the Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff Nana Oye Bampoe Addo announced the removal of the E-Levy, Betting Tax and COVID-19 Levy, saying the move is intended to ease pressure on households and businesses while stimulating economic activity. She added that government is advancing a $30.8 billion infrastructure programme, alongside expanded support for domestic industries and agriculture-linked value chains.
Africa Trade Chamber Advisory Board Chairman Sir Sam Jonah warned that Africa cannot continue to rely on raw commodity exports while hoping to achieve the same development outcomes as Asia. He urged governments to take on reforms that prioritise manufacturing, strengthen institutions and deepen regional competitiveness.
African Trade Chamber founder Benedicta Lasi gave an overview of the 2026 Africa Trade Summit and Awards, assuring participants that the three-day event will provide a platform for dealmaking, investment partnerships and policy dialogue to shape Africa’s next phase of economic growth.
