The Business-to-Business (B2B) component of the inaugural Ghana–Zurich Business & Cultural Expo 2026 (GZBE-2026) was formally convened in Zurich, marking a significant milestone in Ghana’s strategic engagement with Switzerland and the wider European Union.

The sessions drew distinguished delegates from both countries and yielded substantive outcomes that affirm the strength of an emerging bilateral commercial corridor.

The event was headlined by the Special Guest of Honour, James Gyakye Quayson, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament for Assin North.

In his keynote address, he underscored the government’s “Reset Agenda”, highlighting ongoing efforts to stabilize the Ghanaian cedi and restore macroeconomic confidence.

He reiterated the administration’s strong belief in the Ghanaian diaspora emphasizing that this trust informed his own appointment and encouraged Ghanaians abroad to actively channel their resources, expertise, and networks into national development.

He further addressed the proposed Dual Citizenship Bill currently before Parliament, assuring participants of its anticipated passage as a catalyst for deeper diaspora engagement.

Also present was Prof Esi Awuah, Ghana’s Ambassador to Switzerland, alongside senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, traditional authorities, and key private sector stakeholders.

Proceedings centred on Ghana’s robust investment landscape, spotlighting tax incentives, opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area, gold sector prospects, and mechanisms for seamless fund transfers between the two jurisdictions.

Education, skills development, the Ghana Card, and citizenship frameworks also featured prominently in the discussions.

The session was ably chaired by Daasebre Kwebu Ewusi VII, Omanhen of the Abeadze Traditional Area.

Also in attendance was Nana Obokese Ampah, Apagyahen of the Asebu Traditional Area and Chairman of the Sankofa in Action Series, organisers of GZBE-2026, whose leadership has been instrumental in bringing the vision of the expo to life.

A key highlight of the B2B dialogue was a presentation by George Boateng (Kwame AI), a Ghanaian academic at ETH Zurich, who introduced an innovative coding education initiative targeting Ghanaian learners from primary through to tertiary levels.

His offer of 100 online coding scholarships earmarked for Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and University of Energy and Natural Resources was warmly received as a tangible contribution to Ghana’s digital transformation agenda.

Ambassador Awuah noted the symbolic significance of naming the programme after Kwame Nkrumah, describing it as reflective of Ghana’s enduring legacy of innovation.

Beyond trade dialogue, the B2B session has served as a critical springboard for the broader GZBE-2026 programme, which includes Business Pitching and Product Exhibitions, Gastronomic Stands celebrating Ghanaian cuisine, and a post-expo Industrial Tour.

The consensus among participants was clear: the collaboration presents a genuine win-win opportunity for both nations.

Looking ahead, the second leg of GZBE-2026 is scheduled for May 2026, with organisers anticipating expanded participation and deeper cross-sector engagement.

The expo is steadily positioning itself as a premier platform for Ghana Switzerland and by extension, broader EU business and cultural collaboration.

AM



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