Mahama to lead Ghana at inaugural Alamein Africa Forum in October 2026

President John Dramani Mahama will head Ghana's delegation to the inaugural Alamein Africa Forum, a landmark three-day gathering scheduled for 2–4 October 2026 in the historic Mediterranean city of Alamein, Egypt. The event brings together African heads of state, business leaders, investors and innovators to chart the continent's economic future and mobilise investment across key sectors.

The forum, established as a permanent biennial African business gathering, is co-organised by the Egyptian government, the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the African Union, and the AU Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD). It is expected to convene more than 20 heads of state and government representatives alongside major financial institutions and development partners.

Mahama's participation comes just days after he rang the ceremonial closing bell at the Nasdaq Stock Market in New York on 23 September 2026, where he declared Ghana open for business to international investors. The Ghanaian delegation will include Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Augustus Goosie Tanoh (Head and Presidential Advisor for Ghana's 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme), Ghana's Special Envoy to the Alliance of Sahel States Colonel Larry Gbevlo-Lartey, and leading private sector representatives.

Ghana's economic diplomacy push

Ghana's high-level presence at Alamein reflects the government's strategic focus on positioning the country as a hub for African business and investment. The simultaneous New York and Egypt engagements underscore Mahama's efforts to attract both Western capital and intra-African trade and investment flows. By bringing senior trade and export officials alongside private sector players, Ghana is signalling serious intent to leverage continental partnerships for economic growth.

The forum's emphasis on aligning policy with investment priorities and mobilising cross-border partnerships directly supports Ghana's export-led growth agenda. The inclusion of the 24-Hour Economy programme demonstrates focus on making Ghana a competitive investment destination across multiple sectors and timezones.

Why it matters for Ghana

The Alamein Africa Forum represents a crucial platform for Ghana to strengthen ties with other African economies and secure financing for key infrastructure and trade projects. As the continent looks to implement Agenda 2063—the African Union's 50-year strategic masterplan—private sector-led growth is essential. Ghana's participation positions it to shape continental trade rules, access development financing, and forge partnerships with regional peers on critical issues like supply chains, energy transition and digital infrastructure.

For Ghanaian businesses, the forum offers direct access to African investors, development finance institutions and government leaders across 20+ countries. This can unlock opportunities in agribusiness, technology, manufacturing and services sectors where Ghana has competitive advantages. The presence of Afreximbank and other continental financial institutions also signals potential for enhanced trade finance facilities benefiting Ghanaian exporters.

The event also reinforces Ghana's position within West African and Sahel regional diplomacy, particularly through the attendance of the Special Envoy to the Alliance of Sahel States, highlighting broader geopolitical engagement beyond commercial interests.