Sports

Ghana targets World Cup spotlight to attract global investors

Ghana is set to leverage the global audience of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to attract foreign investment through a series of business forums and exhibitions in Canada and the United States.

The initiative was announced in a press release issued by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) on June 15, outlining a joint effort by GIPC, the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), and the Ghana Export-Import Bank (Ghana Exim Bank).

The Invest Ghana Business Forums and Exhibitions will take place in Montreal, Toronto, and Philadelphia, with the aim of converting the international attention surrounding the World Cup into business partnerships and long-term investments for Ghana.

The events will showcase key government priorities, including the Big Push Agenda, the 24-Hour Economy initiative and the Volta Economic Corridor Project, alongside opportunities in energy, agribusiness, manufacturing, mining and minerals value addition, the digital economy, healthcare, tourism and real estate.

As part of the programme, GEPA will open its first Ghana Trade House in Philadelphia to expand Ghana’s trade footprint in the United States and promote Made-in-Ghana products and services.

Chief Executive Officer of GIPC, Simon Madjie, said the initiative is intended to strengthen Ghana’s global investment profile and generate sustained interest in bankable projects.

He said the engagements are expected to “enhance Ghana’s international investment profile, deepen investor interest in bankable projects, increase diaspora participation, and support sustained post-World Cup investment promotion through stronger institutional follow-up.”

Mr Madjie also called on Ghanaians living abroad, business leaders, entrepreneurs and strategic partners to participate in the events to help showcase Ghana’s economic potential.

Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Dr Mary Awusi, said the tournament presents a unique opportunity to convert global attention into economic benefits.

“Through the Invest Ghana Business Forums, we are showcasing the strength of Ghana’s free zones programme and the country’s readiness to support export-oriented industries, industrial transformation, and long-term investor partnerships,” she said.

The organisers believe the coordinated platform will strengthen Ghana’s position as a preferred destination for investment and transform temporary World Cup visibility into lasting economic partnerships that extend well beyond the tournament.