The inaugural Ghana International Expo and Investment Forum (GIEIF 2025), organised by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Judimedia Consult, has ended in Lagos, Nigeria.

The four-day event brought together business leaders, policymakers, investors, and innovators from across West Africa and beyond to explore trade, tourism, and investment opportunities, while strengthening regional cooperation.

Held under the theme “Unlocking investment potential through Intra-African trade and tourism,” the forum was described by Mrs Maame Efua Houadjeto, Chief Executive Officer of the GTA, as a strategic milestone in Ghana’s push to deepen economic integration and position itself as a regional hub for commerce and responsible tourism.

“In hosting this landmark event, we took a bold step toward fostering regional integration and global partnership. Our presence in the commercial heart of Nigeria underscored our commitment to strengthening the vital economic and cultural ties between our nations and across West Africa,” she told the media.

She explained that the forum had two main components: an international exhibition showcasing products and services from Ghanaian and West African enterprises, and a high-level investment forum that featured two days of panel discussions with ministers, CEOs, policy experts, and global investors.

According to Mrs Houadjeto, the event served as a “strategic manifestation” of her vision to position Ghana not only as a world-class travel destination but as a holistic platform for innovation, commerce, and connection.

“In collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we leveraged Ghana’s diplomatic network to bring the world to West Africa’s doorstep. GIEIF 2025 became a global platform for dialogue on tourism, investment, and trade,” she said.

Discussions and exhibitions highlighted bankable opportunities across agribusiness, trade, technology, tourism, energy, and manufacturing. Particular focus was placed on the roles of Ghana and Nigeria as economic drivers within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which offers access to a combined market of more than 1.3 billion people.

A major cultural highlight was the “Culture Exchange Explosion,” which showcased the heritage and traditions of Ghana and Nigeria through music, cuisine, fashion, and performance, while offering participants an immersive networking environment.

“This initiative was more than just an event; it was a catalyst for sustainable development and a call to action for investors, entrepreneurs, and leaders to build lasting partnerships,” Mrs Houadjeto noted.

She expressed appreciation to the governments of both Ghana and Nigeria and to all stakeholders who contributed to the event’s success.

“On behalf of our organising consortium, and the good people of Ghana and Nigeria, we thank everyone who participated. Let us carry the momentum forward by building the partnerships, investments, and innovations that will drive our shared future,” she added.

The GTA CEO also extended gratitude to exhibitors sponsored by the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) and the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), as well as GTA officials who promoted Ghana as a unique tourism destination to Nigerians and other nationals.

The GIEIF 2025 was created as a premier trade and investment platform to showcase Ghana’s indigenous products, services, and opportunities to an international audience. Its goal was to connect entrepreneurs, producers, and investors to boost intra-African trade, strengthen cross-border cooperation, and position Ghana as a key economic player in the region.

Supporting institutions included Ghana’s Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Ghana’s Consulate in Lagos, Ghana Enterprises Agency, Ghana Export Promotion Authority, Diaspora Affairs (Office of the President), Ghanaian Community in Lagos, Tour Operators Union of Ghana, Kasapreko Co. Ltd., and Africa World Airlines.

Nigerian partners such as the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Agriculture, NASSME, NASSI, NAFDAC, Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, and representatives from Africa Movie Awards also played key roles.