Ghana will host the Global Africa Summit in December, bringing together investors, professionals and business leaders from across Africa and the diaspora to explore trade, investment and partnership opportunities.

The summit, launched in Accra, is an initiative of the Africa Investment Network aimed at strengthening economic ties between Africa and its diaspora. It will feature stakeholders from the private sector, government, academia and global entrepreneurship networks.

Speaking at the launch, Founding President and CEO of the Africa Investment Network, Mrs Jane Reindorf-Osei, said Ghana was deliberately chosen as the starting point for the summit series.

“As a proud Ghanaian, there was no better place to start than here. Ghana has so much to offer, not just resources, but the energy and talent of its people,” she said. “We aim to bring our diaspora and global partners to experience the investment, partnership, and tourism potential Ghana offers.”

Mrs Reindorf-Osei added that the two-day event would focus on trade and investment and is supported by partners such as the National Black Chamber and members of the Africa Investment Network.

“It’s not only about business. Many in the diaspora feel Ghana is home. Some are coming to Africa for the first time, and they want to be part of the Black Star experience,” she noted.

Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President, Mr Kofi Okyere Darko, highlighted the economic significance of the diaspora, stating that remittances to Ghana now exceed $6.4 billion.

“President Mahama has maintained the Diaspora Affairs Office to show how much we value engagement with Ghanaians abroad. We want teachers, doctors, and business owners to return and contribute,” he said.

He urged members of the diaspora to visit Ghana in December, not only for recreation but also to take part in the National Diaspora Summit and the newly launched Black Star Experience.

Mrs Yvonne Ocloo, CEO of TopDog Africa and a summit partner, said the event is designed to build lasting economic bridges.

“This is about creating jobs and driving growth. The Summit will move from Washington DC in October to Toronto before culminating in Ghana, which will take centre stage this December,” she said.