The Africa Build Show, Ghana Investment and Trade Week (GITW) 2026 and MEGAWATT Africa have officially opened in Accra, bringing together government officials, investors, diplomats, development partners and industry leaders to explore opportunities in trade, infrastructure and sustainable development.

The three-day event, which opened on Tuesday, July 7, is being held in partnership with the Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry (GhCCI), with support from the Trade Development Bureau of the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, the Engineering Export Promotion Council of India (EEPC) and the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC).

The event, held under the theme, “Powering Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy: Integrating Infrastructure, Electric Mobility and Sustainable Real Estate for Investment and Trade Competitiveness,” features international exhibitions, investment forums, strategic dialogues, business matchmaking sessions and networking opportunities.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Presidency, Senior Presidential Advisor and Coordinator of the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Secretariat, Dr Augustus Goosie Tanoh, said the government is pursuing an ambitious industrial transformation agenda anchored on renewable energy, value addition and expanded manufacturing.

He said the 24-Hour Economy programme seeks to address Ghana’s long-standing dependence on the export of raw materials by increasing local processing capacity and building a more competitive production-driven economy.

According to Dr Tanoh, affordable and reliable energy remains central to achieving Ghana’s industrialisation objectives.

He disclosed that the Secretariat is co-developing up to 1.5 gigawatts of utility-scale solar power supported by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to provide cheaper and more sustainable energy for industries.

The first 100-megawatt facility is expected to begin construction next month.

Dr Tanoh said the initiative is expected to reduce energy costs for businesses, improve manufacturing competitiveness and support Ghana’s ambition of becoming a major industrial hub.

He noted that although key infrastructure and industrial projects established after independence created a foundation for economic development, Ghana’s full industrial potential remains largely untapped.

He stressed that expanding local manufacturing and value addition would be crucial to creating sustainable jobs, increasing exports and strengthening the economy.

Chairing the opening ceremony, the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, urged local and international investors to take advantage of Ghana’s political stability, peaceful environment and growing business opportunities.

He said collaboration between traditional authorities, government and the private sector remains essential in creating the right environment for sustainable economic growth.

Representing the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), Dr Mary Awusi, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting investors and improving Ghana’s competitiveness.

She highlighted incentives available under the Free Zones Scheme, including a 10-year corporate tax exemption, customs duty waivers on production inputs, unrestricted repatriation of profits and access to international markets.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Chairman of MIE Group, David Wang, said the Ghana Investment and Trade Week platform remains focused on attracting foreign direct investment and building stronger partnerships between Ghanaian businesses and global investors.

Mr Wang said previous editions had connected local businesses with investors from countries including China, India, Türkiye and Italy, resulting in several manufacturing initiatives being established or developed in Ghana.

He added that MIE Group’s more than 10 years of engagement with Ghana had strengthened its confidence in the country as an investment destination, citing political stability, security and Ghana’s strategic position as a gateway to West Africa.

More than 20 countries, including Italy, India, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, Libya, Egypt, the United States, Singapore and Rwanda, are participating in this year’s event.

Exhibitors are showcasing innovations and technologies in construction, energy, infrastructure and sustainable development.

Organisers say the co-located events will provide opportunities for public-private partnerships, attract foreign direct investment, accelerate infrastructure development and strengthen Ghana’s position as a regional trade and industrial hub.