The maiden edition of the Ghana International Expo and Investment Forum (GIEIF 2025) has ended in Lagos, Nigeria. The four-day programme was organised by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Judimedia Consult.
The event brought together business leaders, policymakers, investors, and innovators from across West Africa and beyond. Its focus was on trade, tourism, and investment opportunities, while also strengthening regional cooperation.
This year’s theme was “Unlocking Investment Potential through Intra-African Trade and Tourism.”
Chief Executive Officer of the GTA, Maame Efua Houadjeto, described the initiative as a bold step toward regional integration. According to her, hosting the forum in Lagos was a deliberate strategy. It underlined Ghana’s commitment to deepening both economic and cultural ties with Nigeria and the wider region.
The forum had two main parts. First was an international exhibition featuring Ghanaian and West African enterprises. Second was a high-level investment dialogue, which included two days of panel discussions with ministers, CEOs, policy experts, and investors.
Mrs. Houadjeto stressed that GIEIF 2025 was not just an event but a strategic platform. In her words, it represents Ghana’s ambition to be seen as both a tourism destination and a hub for innovation and commerce.
Discussions centred on agribusiness, trade, technology, tourism, energy, and manufacturing. In particular, attention was given to the roles of Ghana and Nigeria in driving the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This agreement opens access to a combined market of more than 1.3 billion people.
A cultural highlight of the expo was the “Culture Exchange Explosion.” It celebrated the heritage of both countries through music, cuisine, fashion, and performance. This segment provided participants with an immersive networking experience.
In addition, Mrs. Houadjeto expressed gratitude to the governments of Ghana and Nigeria, as well as supporting institutions. She also thanked the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) and the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) for sponsoring exhibitors. GTA officials were commended for using the opportunity to promote Ghana’s tourism potential.
She further described the forum as a catalyst for sustainable development. More importantly, she urged investors and entrepreneurs to build lasting partnerships that can drive shared progress.
Supporting partners included Ghana’s Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Ghana’s Consulate in Lagos, and Diaspora Affairs under the Office of the President. Corporate sponsors such as Kasapreko Co. Ltd. and Africa World Airlines also played key roles.
On the Nigerian side, collaborators included the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Agriculture, NASSME, NASSI, NAFDAC, and the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency. Representatives from the Africa Movie Awards were also present.