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Els MBN360 Business
he Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Francis Kojo Kwarteng Arthur, Esq., has initiated high-level discussions to solidify Ghana’s presence at Gulfood 2026.
Accompanied by the Consul General of Ghana to Dubai and the Northern Emirates, H.E. Grace El Mahmoud Marabe, the CEO met with the organizers of the world-renowned exhibition at the World Trade Centre in Dubai to diversify Ghana’s export destinations and leverage the Middle East as a primary hub for Non-Traditional Exports (NTEs).
“The meeting formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Ghana’s participation in major international trade exhibitions and to expand market access opportunities for Ghanaian exporters.
“Discussions focused on Ghana’s potential participation in future editions of the Gulfood Exhibition, with particular emphasis on positioning Ghanaian products more competitively on the global food and beverage market”Ghana Export Promotion Authority
Gulfood is globally recognized as one of the most influential platforms for the food and beverage industry, attracting thousands of investors, buyers, and industry leaders annually. For GEPA, the 2026 edition represents a critical opportunity to transition Ghanaian products from local staples to globally competitive commodities.
The discussions in Dubai focused on creating “a more robust framework for Ghanaian exporters to gain visibility,” with a specific emphasis on the quality and standards required to penetrate the high-value markets of the United Arab Emirates and beyond.
Strategic Participation Models
Following initial deliberations, the Ghanaian delegation engaged in a second, more technical session with the organizing team responsible for the African continent. This targeted conversation addressed the specific logistical and strategic requirements for an African pavilion.
GEPA shifted to a focused Africa-specific participation model to ensure that Ghanaian firms – particularly Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) – are not overshadowed by larger global conglomerates.
“This model includes optimized pavilion arrangements and specialized networking zones designed to facilitate direct business-to-business (B2B) engagements.
“The organizers provided the CEO and the Consul General with critical data regarding emerging trends in global food trade. These insights are expected to guide GEPA in advising local producers on product packaging, certification, and the specific taste profiles currently in demand within the Gulf region”Ghana Export Promotion Authority
According to GEPA, this subsequent engagement allowed for more focused conversations on Africa-specific participation models and strategic considerations for strengthening Ghana’s footprint at the exhibition. The meetings showed GEPA’s duty to leveraging international trade fairs and exhibitions as platforms to promote Ghanaian products.
The engagement in Dubai also served as a marketing mission to attract foreign direct investment into Ghana’s processing and packaging sectors.
By showcasing Ghana’s potential at Gulfood 2026, GEPA aimed to connect local manufacturers with international financiers who can provide the technology and capital necessary to scale production. This aligned with the government’s industrialization agenda, which prioritizes value addition over the export of raw agricultural materials.
As the preparations for Gulfood 2026 intensify, the partnership between GEPA and the Ghanaian Consulate in Dubai is expected to yield a comprehensive roadmap for all participating exporters.
The goal remains to ensure that the “Made in Ghana,” brand becomes synonymous with quality in the global food and beverage market, ultimately driving up NTE revenues for the nation.
