The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) has announced its partnership for the 5th anniversary edition of Central Expo ’26, one of the region’s biggest trade and tourism promotion platforms.

This year’s exhibition, being celebrated under the theme, “Celebrating 5 Years of Advancing Trade, Promoting Tourism and Unlocking Opportunities,” promises to be the largest yet in the history of the event.

The week long fair is scheduled for 31st August to 6th September 2026 at the Adisadel College Park in Cape Coast and will run from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily.

According to organizers, Central Expo ’26 will bring together hundreds of businesses, entrepreneurs, start-ups, manufacturers, agribusinesses, creative sector players and key industry stakeholders from across the Central Region and beyond to showcase Made-in-Ghana products and services, foster business-to-business linkages and highlight the vast trade and tourism potential of the region.

GEPA, as a strategic partner, says its involvement underscores its commitment to driving export led growth at the regional level and deepening Ghana’s value chain development.

The Authority, mandated to promote and develop Ghana’s non-traditional exports, has in recent years intensified its regional sensitization and market linkage programmes aimed at equipping local producers to meet international standards and access new markets.

In a statement, GEPA said Central Expo provides a critical platform to identify export-ready Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Central Region, build their capacity, and connect them to its wide range of export development interventions including product development, market intelligence, packaging and labelling support, and participation in international trade fairs.

“The Central Region holds enormous potential in agro-processing, textiles and garments, fisheries, salt production, ceramics, and the creative economy. Central Expo ’26 offers us an opportunity to engage directly with producers, understand their challenges and integrate them into our exporter pipeline.’’
GEPA

Central Expo ’26 Line Up Activities for the Anniversary Edition

Now in its 5th year, Central Expo has grown from a modest regional exhibition into a major commercial event on Ghana’s trade calendar. Since its inception in 2021, the Expo has attracted thousands of visitors and exhibitors, facilitated business deals, and served as a Launchpad for many local businesses.

The anniversary edition is expected to build on that legacy, with organizers projecting higher exhibitor participation and footfall. Activities lined up for the week include an exhibition of products and services, a business forum and seminars, tourism promotion, cultural displays, youth entrepreneurship dialogues, and nightly entertainment.

Key sectors to be featured include agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing, fast-moving consumer goods, cosmetics and herbal products, fashion and textiles, fisheries and aquaculture, financial services, technology and innovation, tourism and hospitality, and the creative arts.

GEPA says its pavilion at the fair will serve as an information and business support hub where exporters and potential exporters can interact with its technical officers, learn about export requirements, certification processes, export financing opportunities, and how to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The Authority is also expected to lead a series of capacity building clinics and presentations during the Expo on export readiness, product standardization, access to international markets, and leveraging digital platforms for exports.

The Chief Executive Officer of GEPA, Francis Kojo Kwarteng Arthur, is expected to be present at the opening ceremony alongside government officials, traditional leaders, heads of partner institutions, and captains of industry.

GEPA is therefore encouraging exporters, manufacturers, agribusinesses, service providers, start-ups, women and youth-led enterprises, as well as the general public, to take full advantage of this year’s edition.

The Authority emphasized that Central Expo ’26 is not just an exhibition but an opportunity to network, learn best practices, explore joint venture partnerships and unlock new opportunities for growth.

“The future of Ghana’s export is in value addition and regional inclusiveness. Platforms like Central Expo are essential to ensuring that businesses in all regions are not left behind in the national export agenda. We invite all businesses in the Central Region and beyond to participate fully.’’
GEPA

The Central Region is one of Ghana’s most culturally and economically significant regions, renowned for its historical sites including the Cape Coast and Elmina Castles, its thriving fishing industry, agriculture and an emerging industrial base.

However, many of its SMEs face challenges in scaling, accessing finance and reaching export markets. Stakeholders believe the continued collaboration between GEPA and the organizers of Central Expo will help bridge this gap and position the region as a key contributor to Ghana’s non-traditional export earnings.

The event is being organized in collaboration with the Central Regional Coordinating Council, the Central Regional House of Chiefs, the Ghana Tourism Authority, the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Ghana Enterprises Agency and other public and private sector partners.

Central Expo ’26 is open to the general public at no cost, offering a family friendly atmosphere for shopping, learning, business networking and entertainment.

GEPA reaffirmed its commitment to working with all stakeholders to ensure the success of this year’s edition and to continue its mission of transforming Ghana into a competitive export-led economy.