By Stanley Senya
Accra, Oct. 12, GNA – More than 500 Ghanaian businesses are expected to participate in the maiden Ghana Export and SME Fair (GEXPO 2026) to expand access to international markets and boost the country’s non-traditional export earnings.
The five-day fair, scheduled for November 18 to 22, 2026, at the Black Star Square in Accra, will bring together indigenous enterprises, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), international buyers, foreign trade missions and institutional financiers.
Accra Markets & Expo Limited, the organisers, announced that exhibitor registration had opened for the event, which is being held under the auspices of the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry.
The fair is intended to support President John Dramani Mahama’s Accelerated Export Development Programme by helping Ghanaian businesses position locally produced goods and services for international markets.
It will focus on high-growth sectors, including agro-processing, textiles and apparel, cosmetics and natural oils, light manufacturing, digital trade and exportable commercial services.
The initiative is also expected to help local enterprises take advantage of opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and increase revenue from non-traditional exports.
According to the organisers, GEXPO 2026 will go beyond product exhibitions by providing structured business-to-business meetings to connect qualified Ghanaian producers with international buyers, procurement networks and institutional off-takers.
The arrangements are intended to help participating businesses secure long-term export supply agreements and strengthen their access to international supply chains.
The fair will also feature capacity-building sessions led by trade and standards experts on AfCFTA rules of origin, international packaging standards, phytosanitary requirements and credit facilities available through the Ghana Export-Import Bank.
Accra Markets & Expo Limited is organising the event in collaboration with the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, Ghana Exim Bank, the Federation of Ghanaian Exporters, the Association of Ghana Industries and the Ghana Enterprises Agency.
The organisers said trading activities would continue into the evening, alongside a food bazaar, live performances and music showcases, to encourage domestic consumption and attract more visitors.
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) manufacturers, agro-processors and trade service providers have been invited to participate in the fair.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah