The maiden Eastern Expo 2026 is providing a platform to promote the Eastern Region’s economic potential, strengthen business linkages and attract investment into strategic sectors of the regional economy.
The Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Sampson Ahi, made the observation when he represented the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, as Special Guest of Honour at the Expo in Koforidua.
The Expo is being held under the theme, “Eastern EXPO 2026: Unlocking Opportunities for Sustainable Trade, Tourism and Investment,” and forms part of a broader effort to position the region as an important destination for business, tourism and investment.
According to the Deputy Minister, the significance of the Expo goes beyond displaying products and services, as it creates an avenue for businesses, investors, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to identify opportunities and build partnerships that can contribute to regional economic development.
“The maiden Eastern Expo 2026 provides a significant platform to showcase the region’s economic potential and attract investment into key sectors of the regional economy.”
Deputy Minister for Trade, Hon. Sampson Ahi
He said the Eastern Region must move from simply identifying its natural and economic resources to developing them into productive ventures capable of generating revenue, employment and improved livelihoods.
“The region is ready to move beyond showcasing its resources to deliberately converting its economic potential into revenue, jobs and improved livelihoods for its people.”
Deputy Minister for Trade, Hon. Sampson Ahi
Investment Potential for Business People
The Eastern Region already has a significant base of investment activity, with data from the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) showing that 44 wholly Ghanaian owned projects valued at more than US$1.9 billion were recorded in the region between 1994 and December 2025. The projects span sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, services, tourism, construction and trade.
The GIPC data also records 164 foreign backed projects in the region over the period, covering agriculture, manufacturing, services, tourism, construction, export and general trading, as well as liaison activities.
The figures underline the existing interest in the region while pointing to opportunities for additional capital to expand productive capacity, create businesses and strengthen value chains.
The Expo is therefore bringing together businesses and investors at a time when the region is seeking to convert its agricultural, industrial, tourism and commercial potential into tangible economic opportunities.
The Eastern Regional Coordinating Council launched the Expo in August as an eight-day programme running from September 26 to October 3, 2026. All 33 municipal and district assemblies are expected to showcase their economic and trade potential, with the region divided into five blocks: Kwahu, Akyem, Krobo, Akuapem and New Juaben.
Agriculture Industrial and Tourism Opportunities
Agriculture remains one of the major areas of opportunity in the region, with the Expo providing a platform for businesses and producers to promote agricultural products and explore value addition opportunities.
The Eastern Region has a strong agricultural base and opportunities exist in the processing of commodities such as cocoa, oil palm, citrus, cassava and vegetables.
Earlier discussions around the Expo highlighted the need for investors to support processing industries so that more value can be retained within the region rather than exporting commodities in their raw form.
The proposed Food and Beverages Industrial Park in Kwahu is among initiatives identified as having the potential to support food processing and create employment.
A pilot Farmer Service Centre has also been constructed in the Kwahu Afram Plains South District to provide farmers with access to mechanisation, agricultural inputs, training, soil testing, storage and market linkages.
Tourism is another major component of the Expo, with the Eastern Region possessing several attractions capable of supporting hospitality, transportation, food services, tour operations and other businesses within the tourism value chain.
Among the region’s attractions are Boti Falls, the Aburi Botanical Gardens, the Kwahu Mountains, the Akosombo Dam and other cultural and ecological sites.
The 2026 Expo is also coinciding with Ghana’s World Tourism Day celebrations in the region. The tourism programme includes discussions on digitalisation and artificial intelligence and how these technologies can be applied to improve destination marketing, understand visitor behaviour and enhance tourism services.
The integration of tourism into the Expo is expected to create opportunities for businesses operating around accommodation, transport, hospitality, entertainment, crafts and other tourism related services.
Investment Call for Business People
The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, earlier described the Expo as more than an annual exhibition, saying it is intended to serve as a regional launch pad for local economic development and help businesses compete in local and international markets.
”This Expo provides a common platform for government agencies, businesses, investors, traditional authorities, entrepreneurs and development partners to engage directly on the economic prospects of the region. Eastern Region already recording significant local and foreign investment.”
Eastern Regional Minsiter, Hon. Rita Akosua Awatey
For the Trade Ministry, the focus is on ensuring that the opportunities presented at the Expo translate into actual investments, expanded businesses and employment.
Mr Ahi’s participation therefore reinforces the government’s emphasis on connecting regional economic opportunities with private-sector investment, value addition and job creation.
The Eastern Expo 2026 continues through October 3, with exhibitions, investment-focused activities, business networking and tourism-related programmes designed to promote the region as a destination for trade, tourism and investment.
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