The maiden Ghana Export and SME Fair (GEXPO 2026) is set to take place from 18 to 22 November at Black Star Square in Accra. Organisers aim to attract more than 500 exhibitors and a host of international buyers, creating a platform for Ghanaian goods and services to reach new markets.
The five‑day event will bring together small and medium‑sized enterprises, manufacturers, agro‑processors, foreign trade missions, institutional financiers and overseas retailers. Its goal is to promote Made‑in‑Ghana products and strengthen the country’s non‑traditional export sector.
Accra Markets & Expo Limited, the event organiser, has opened exhibitor registration under the auspices of the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry. The fair is being run in partnership with the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, Ghana Exim Bank, the Federation of Ghanaian Exporters, the Association of Ghana Industries and the Ghana Enterprises Agency.
GEXPO 2026 is part of the government’s Accelerated Export Development Programme, which seeks to broaden Ghana’s export base, boost domestic production and reduce reliance on imports. Expanding non‑traditional exports is seen as a key route to diversifying foreign‑exchange earnings, supporting local industries and creating jobs.
Unlike conventional exhibitions, the fair will feature structured business‑to‑business engagements that pair Ghanaian producers with international buyers, procurement networks and institutional off‑takers. The organisers say the aim is to help participants secure commercial partnerships and long‑term export supply agreements.
Priority sectors include agro‑processing, textiles and apparel, cosmetics and natural oils, light manufacturing, digital trade and commercial services—areas that could broaden Ghana’s export earnings beyond traditional commodities. The impact will hinge on whether firms can meet international quality standards, maintain reliable production volumes and compete on price.
Technical sessions led by trade and standards experts will cover AfCFTA rules of origin, international packaging requirements, phytosanitary standards and access to tailored credit facilities through Ghana Exim Bank. These sessions are intended to address common barriers that prevent local SMEs from entering global markets, such as financing constraints and certification challenges.
In addition to business sessions, the fair will host a daily food bazaar, live performances and music showcases designed to attract visitors and encourage domestic consumption. However, the long‑term value of GEXPO 2026 will depend on whether the event generates tangible commercial outcomes, including new export contracts, sustained buyer relationships and improved access to international supply chains.
Exhibitor registration is available at ghanaexportsmefair.com or by emailing [email protected]. The organisers say the initiative is intended to strengthen the position of Ghanaian businesses in regional and international markets while supporting the country’s broader export development agenda.
