Accra to host global Africa summit in December
Accra has been selected as one of four global cities to host this year’s Global Africa Summit (GAS), a major Pan-African platform aimed at strengthening diaspora partnerships, accelerating investment and driving inclusive development across the continent.
Scheduled to take place from December 11 to 12, the Accra edition of the summit will focus on forging impactful partnerships in key sectors such as agribusiness, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, creative industries and governance reform.
The Global Africa Summit, created by the Africa Investment Network (AIN), is designed to foster dialogue and multi-sector collaboration between Africa and its global diaspora.
It does so through summits, roundtables and investment showcases that bridge policy, capital and innovation.
The 2025 series also includes editions in Los Angeles (October 9–10), Washington, DC (October 14–15) at the Catholic University of America, and Toronto (October 23) at the Toronto Metropolitan University.
Transcontinental collaboration
Speaking at the official launch of the summit in Accra, the Founding President and CEO of AIN, and Convener of GAS, Jane Reindorf Osei, described the event as more than a gathering.
“This is not just another conference—it is a movement to ignite transcontinental collaboration and shape a future where Africa and its global diaspora lead boldly,” she said.
She emphasised that the summit is a catalyst linking capital, innovation, and leadership, and noted that Accra is emerging as a key hub for global partnerships and investment coordination.
Ms Reindorf-Osei also shared her deep personal and professional ties to Ghana, referencing her early career in the country’s investment landscape and her family’s political legacy.
“Accra is not just another stop in our summit journey—it is my home. If we are to chart a bold, global course for Africa’s partnerships, that journey must begin here,” she added.
Diaspora affairs
The Director of the Diaspora Affairs Office at the Office of the President, Kofi Okyere Darko, reaffirmed the central role of the diaspora in Ghana’s development.
“The diaspora are not bystanders; they are primary architects of the transformation we envision,” he said.
Mr Darko noted that in 2024 alone, Ghana received over $6.4 billion in diaspora remittances—a powerful testament to the diaspora’s economic influence.
“This is not charity, it is capital,” he stressed.
He revealed that his office was implementing a National Diaspora Engagement Policy through an Inter-Sectoral Implementation Committee comprising over 28 ministries, departments and agencies.
He also highlighted ongoing programmes, including diaspora citizenship drives, development funding mechanisms, a 24-hour diaspora hotline, skills exchange initiatives and a major artificial intelligence training programme in partnership with the Vanuatu Trade Commission.
“This aligns directly with President John Dramani Mahama’s Million Coders Programme and the 24-hour economy vision,” Mr Darko added.
