EASTERN REGIONAL CO-ORDINATING COUNCIL
CONCEPT NOTE
Introduction
Eastern EXPO 2026 is a premier regional Trade, Tourism and Investment Fair scheduled to take place from 26th September to 3rd October 2026 at Jackson Park, Koforidua. The event is a strategic initiative aimed at showcasing the immense economic potential of the Eastern Region while creating opportunities for businesses, investors, entrepreneurs, development partners, academia and the Ghanaian diaspora to connect, collaborate and invest. The EXPO aligns with Government’s agenda of industrialisation, entrepreneurship development and local economic growth, positioning the Eastern Region as a preferred destination for trade, tourism, agribusiness, investment and the 24-Hour Economy Policy.
The Theme and Sub-Theme
The EXPO is being organised under the theme “Eastern EXPO 2026: Unlocking Opportunities for Sustainable Trade, Tourism and Investment. The event seeks to stimulate innovation, enterprise development, and sustainable economic transformation.
The Vision
The vision of Eastern EXPO 2026 is to promote business growth and investment opportunities, support the development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), foster strategic partnerships and position the Eastern Region as a leading investment hub in Ghana.
Objectives
To achieve this vision, the EXPO will provide a platform for business networking, mentorship, technology transfer, market expansion and skills development while creating employment and income-generating opportunities for businesses and individuals.
Key Stakeholders
The event will bring together a wide range of stakeholders, including the Eastern Regional Co-ordinating Council (ERCC), the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Arts, the thirty-three (33) Municipal and District Assemblies in Eastern Region, regional departments and agencies connected to trade and investment, the Regional House of Chiefs, private sector organisations, financial institutions, development partners, tourism agencies and media organisations.
Target Participants and Exhibitors
Participants are expected to include corporate institutions, SMEs, startups, youth entrepreneurs, investors, farmer groups, agribusinesses, artisans, tourism operators and non-profit organisations.
Key Planned Activities
A variety of exciting activities have been planned to make the EXPO both impactful and memorable. These include trade exhibitions, business and investment forums, entrepreneurship workshops, skills development sessions, a dedicated Farmers’ Market, cultural performances, free health screening services and recreational activities for children. These activities are designed to create meaningful interactions, facilitate business transactions and promote investment opportunities across the Region.
Implementation Strategy
The successful implementation of the EXPO will depend on strong collaboration among stakeholders. District Assemblies will play a key role in mobilising exhibitors and promoting participation, while continuous stakeholder engagement, strategic partnerships and targeted publicity campaigns will ensure widespread awareness and involvement.
Publicity and Media Strategy
The event will be promoted through radio, television, social media platforms, community information centres, mobile publicity campaigns and other innovative communication channels.
Logistics and Operational Arrangements
To support the smooth execution of the event, comprehensive logistics and operational arrangements will be established. A dedicated secretariat will provide support services to exhibitors and visitors throughout the exhibition period. Exhibition booths will be clearly labelled and numbered to facilitate easy access and navigation, while adequate parking facilities and directional signage will be provided to improve visitor experience. Security arrangements will be strengthened through collaboration with REGSEC and other security agencies, complemented by ambulance service, fire safety support and mobile sanitation facilities to ensure a safe, secure and comfortable environment for all participants.
Key Issues Requiring Attention
Notwithstanding these preparations, several key issues require attention to guarantee the overall success of the EXPO. These include the mobilisation of adequate funding and sponsorship, aggressive publicity and awareness creation, ensuring affordable participation of SMEs, effective security and crowd management, efficient traffic and sanitation arrangements, assist in the provision of accommodation for visitors and exhibitors, and strong coordination among all stakeholders. Addressing these issues proactively will be critical to achieving the objectives of the event.
Sponsorship and Partnership Opportunities
In this regard, Eastern EXPO 2026 presents significant sponsorship and partnership opportunities for corporate organisations, financial institutions, development partners and investors. Sponsors will benefit from strategic branding and advertising opportunities, enhanced visibility throughout all event activities and direct access to a large regional and national audience. Tailored partnership packages will also provide opportunities for long-term collaboration while contributing to the sustainability and success of the EXPO.
Expected Benefits
With these measures in place, Eastern EXPO 2026 is expected to generate significant economic and social benefits for the Region. It will enhance business visibility and market access, promote tourism, attract investment, create employment opportunities and strengthen networking among stakeholders. The EXPO will also contribute to increased local revenue generation, support the growth of SMEs, and reinforce the Eastern Region’s position as a competitive destination for business and investment.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Eastern EXPO 2026 represents more than an exhibition; it is a catalyst for regional economic transformation. Through innovation, collaboration and strategic partnerships, the EXPO will unlock opportunities, drive growth and empower entrepreneurs, laying a strong foundation for sustainable development, shared prosperity and a model 24-hour economy policy implementation in the Eastern Region.
