FRIENDS OF AFRICA SUMMIT GLOBAL 2026

Scaling Investment Partnerships

Friday, September 18, 2026

Kempinski Hotel, Accra, Ghana

A high-level gathering of business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, government representatives, development partners and industry professionals focused on strengthening investment, trade and strategic partnerships across Africa and global markets.

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ABOUT THE SUMMIT

The 16th Friends of Africa Summit Global 2026 will bring together leaders and decision-makers from business, government, investment, entrepreneurship, academia and international development for a focused conversation on how stronger partnerships can unlock sustainable economic opportunities across Africa.

The Summit is being presented in partnership with the Ghanaian-Canadian Chamber of Commerce (GCCC), CASA Foundation and the Friends of Africa Coalition, creating an important platform for engagement among stakeholders from Ghana, Canada and other international markets.

Under the theme “Scaling Investment Partnerships,” the 2026 Summit will focus on building meaningful cross-border relationships, identifying investment and trade opportunities, strengthening private-sector collaboration and connecting organizations with the people and networks needed to grow across markets.

EVENT DETAILS

WHY ATTEND?

The Summit is designed for participants who want to build relationships, identify opportunities and engage directly with people shaping business and investment across Africa.

• Connect with business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers and decision-makers.
• Explore investment, trade, partnership and market-entry opportunities.
• Build strategic relationships across Ghana, Canada and other international markets.
• Gain insights into emerging sectors, markets and investment trends.
• Engage with government, institutional and private-sector stakeholders.
• Exchange ideas around entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainable economic growth.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration, investment, expansion and business development.
• Expand your professional and organizational network through high-level cross-border engagement.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

• Business owners and entrepreneurs
• Corporate executives and business leaders
• Investors, banks and financial institutions
• Government and public-sector representatives
• Chambers of commerce and business associations
• Trade and investment organizations
• Mining, energy and infrastructure companies
• Technology, telecommunications and fintech companies
• Agriculture and agribusiness organizations
• Manufacturers, exporters and importers
• Logistics and transportation companies
• Professional service firms
• Development organizations
• Academic and research institutions
• Diaspora business leaders
• Organizations interested in entering African or international markets

GCCC AND THE SUMMIT

The Ghanaian-Canadian Chamber of Commerce (GCCC) is committed to strengthening trade, investment, entrepreneurship and economic relationships between Ghana and Canada.

Through its participation in the Friends of Africa Summit Global 2026, GCCC is helping create a platform where entrepreneurs, investors, companies and institutions can develop meaningful relationships, identify opportunities and build sustainable cross-border partnerships.

The Summit also gives organizations interested in Ghana and African markets an opportunity to better understand the business environment, connect with potential partners and engage with relevant public- and private-sector stakeholders.

MEET OUR SPEAKERS

Leaders. Decision-Makers. Changemakers.

The Friends of Africa Summit Global 2026 will feature distinguished leaders from government, business, investment, entrepreneurship, academia and international development. Our speakers bring extensive experience in investment, finance, international trade, economic development, entrepreneurship, public policy, business leadership and cross-border partnerships.

Together, they will contribute perspectives on how Africa can attract investment, strengthen private-sector collaboration and build sustainable partnerships with global markets.

Dr. Jean Augustine

Trailblazer, Educator, Community Leader & Champion of Africa and the Diaspora

Hon. Dr. Jean Augustine P.C., C.M., O.Ont., C.B.E. is a trailblazing Canadian leader and the first African-Canadian woman elected to the House of Commons of Canada, where she represented Etobicoke-Lakeshore from 1993 to 2006. During her distinguished parliamentary career, she served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, Minister of State, and Deputy Speaker.

A champion of inclusion, education, women’s empowerment, and diaspora engagement, Dr. Augustine has dedicated her life to creating opportunities for underserved and underrepresented communities. She played a pivotal role in establishing Black History Month in Canada and advancing recognition of Black contributions to Canadian society.

As the Founder of the Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women’s Empowerment, she continues to inspire and equip young women through leadership, education, mentorship, and community engagement.

Dr. Augustine’s remarkable journey from Grenada to becoming a pioneering Canadian parliamentarian embodies the power and potential of the global African diaspora. Her lifelong commitment to strengthening communities, empowering future leaders, and building bridges between cultures and nations aligns closely with the mission of the Friends of Africa Coalition.

Her participation in the Friends of Africa Global Ghana Summit brings a distinguished perspective to the conversation on “Scaling Investment Partnerships,” particularly the role of the African diaspora in advancing leadership, entrepreneurship, investment, and sustainable economic development between Africa and the global community.

Dr. Olutoyin Oyelade

President, Casa Foundation for International Development | Founder, Friends of Africa | Investment Strategist & Entrepreneur

Dr. Olutoyin Oyelade is an accomplished investment strategist, entrepreneur, educator, and development leader with over 23 years of experience in investment and financial services across Africa and North America. She is the Founding Partner and CEO of InVcap Corporation, where she leads investment strategies and advises businesses and investors on opportunities in Africa.

Previously, she managed a fund portfolio of over $8 billion at Intercontinental Group and served as Group Treasurer.

A passionate advocate for Africa–Canada investment partnerships and diaspora-led development, Dr. Oyelade founded the Friends of Africa and serves as President of the Casa Foundation for International Development. She has founded several initiatives supporting entrepreneurship, investment, and economic empowerment.

An award-winning leader, author, public speaker, and Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship, Dr. Oyelade holds a Doctorate in Management (Leadership) and has completed executive programs at Wharton, IMD Lausanne, and Lagos Business School.

Her leadership and expertise strongly align with the Summit theme, “Scaling Investment Partnerships,” particularly in mobilizing diaspora capital, strengthening Africa–Canada connections, and advancing sustainable economic development.

Prof. Nii Odoi Yemoh

Professor, Humber College | President, Ghanaian Canadian Chamber of Commerce | Financial Management & Investment Professional

Prof. Nii Odoi Yemoh is a Professor at Humber College and a seasoned financial management professional with extensive experience in investment, taxation, corporate planning, and financial consulting.

He has held senior financial positions with UPS Canada, Purolator, and the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, and served as a Financial Consultant with Investors Group. He is also Executive Director of Reality Capital Management and President of the Ghanaian Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

Prof. Yemoh holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Business and Tax Law, a BA in Finance from York University, and a Professional Certificate in Negotiations from Harvard Business School. He is also a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Fellow of the Certified Management Accountants (CMA).

Through his leadership, he champions Canada–Africa trade and investment partnerships, financial literacy, mentorship, and entrepreneurship, with a focus on unlocking capital and creating sustainable cross-border business opportunities.

Myriam Montrat

High Commissioner of Canada to Ghana, with concurrent accreditation to Sierra Leone and Togo

Myriam Montrat is Canada’s High Commissioner to Ghana, with concurrent accreditation to Sierra Leone and Togo. She brings extensive senior experience in international development, inclusive economic growth, governance, climate action, women’s economic empowerment, and Canada–Africa relations.

Prior to her diplomatic appointment, she served as Director General for Inclusive Growth, Governance and Climate Action at Global Affairs Canada, advancing priorities including sustainable economic growth, climate resilience, human rights, and inclusive development. She has also held senior leadership roles with the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, Canadian Human Rights Commission, Privy Council Office, and Industry Canada.

High Commissioner Montrat brings an important diplomatic and policy perspective to the Friends of Africa Global Ghana Summit, helping strengthen Canada–Africa dialogue and create opportunities for trade, investment, and sustainable economic partnerships. Her participation directly supports the Summit theme, “Scaling Investment Partnerships,” and the shared commitment to deepening Canada–Ghana economic relations.

Dr. Macdonald Chimandas Vasnani

Founder & CEO, Conship

Dr. Macdonald Chimandas Vasnani is a Ghanaian entrepreneur and logistics executive with more than three decades of experience in international trade, logistics, freight forwarding, and business development. In 1996, he founded Consolidated Shipping Agencies Limited (Conship), which has grown from a small Tema-based operation into a diversified logistics company serving the shipping, customs brokerage, haulage, warehousing, mining, oil and gas, and project logistics sectors.

A strong advocate for entrepreneurship, trade facilitation, and business development, Dr. Vasnani has played an important role in strengthening Ghana’s connections to regional and international markets.

His experience provides valuable insight into the importance of efficient supply chains, trade infrastructure, private-sector investment, and cross-border commerce in driving sustainable economic growth. At the Friends of Africa Global Ghana Summit, Dr. Vasnani brings a practical private-sector perspective to the theme “Scaling Investment Partnerships” and the opportunities for expanding trade and investment across Ghana, Africa, and global markets.

Waqas I. Yousafzai

Regional Senior Trade Commissioner, High Commission of Canada

Waqas I. Yousafzai is a Canadian international trade and public-policy professional with experience across North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. He currently serves as Regional Senior Trade Commissioner at the High Commission of Canada to Ghana, Togo and Sierra Leone, supporting Canadian businesses and strengthening commercial relationships across the region.

With extensive experience at Global Affairs Canada and other federal economic-development agencies, Mr. Yousafzai has worked in trade promotion, international business, government relations, development, and international cooperation.

His expertise makes him a valuable contributor to the Friends of Africa Global Ghana Summit, particularly in advancing Canada–Africa trade and investment opportunities. His participation supports the Summit theme, “Scaling Investment Partnerships,” by connecting businesses, investors, and institutions with opportunities to expand commercial partnerships between Canada, Ghana, and the wider African market.

WHY YOUR ORGANIZATION SHOULD PARTICIPATE

The Friends of Africa Summit is not only a networking event. It is an opportunity for organizations to build relationships that can lead to investment, trade, partnerships and market expansion.

• Increase visibility among business and institutional stakeholders.
• Build relationships with potential partners, investors and customers.
• Explore opportunities in Ghana and other African markets.
• Engage with entrepreneurs, established businesses and growing enterprises.
• Connect with government, trade and investment stakeholders.
• Participate in conversations shaping Africa’s business and investment landscape.
• Strengthen relationships with the African diaspora and international business community.

Organizations from sectors such as mining, banking and financial services, energy, technology, telecommunications, agriculture, logistics, infrastructure, manufacturing, professional services and investment are particularly encouraged to participate.

PARTNERSHIP & SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Organizations interested in becoming strategic partners, sponsors, exhibitors, delegation participants or institutional collaborators are invited to connect with the Summit organizing team.

• Corporate sponsorship
• Strategic partnerships
• Institutional partnerships
• Delegation participation
• Exhibitor opportunities
• Business networking
• Speaking and thought-leadership opportunities
• Trade and investment engagement

Contact: foaglobal@friendsofafrica.ca

REGISTRATION

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

Join business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and institutions at Kempinski Hotel, Accra, Ghana for the 16th Friends of Africa Summit Global 2026.

Friday, September 18, 2026

Registration link: https://forms.gle/1cSDBoasxuP78Coq8

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When is the Friends of Africa Summit Global 2026?

Friday, September 18, 2026.

What is the cost for the Summit?

$200USD or $2280ghs

Where will the Summit take place?

Kempinski Hotel, Accra, Ghana.

Who can attend?

Entrepreneurs, business leaders, investors, corporate organizations, policymakers, government representatives, professionals, business associations, development organizations and other stakeholders interested in investment and economic opportunities across Africa.

How do I register?

Use the Register Now button on this page to complete the Summit registration form.

How do I make payment for the Summit?

e-transfer to info@gccc.ca (Subject: FOA2026 + Your Name)

Momo Pay by Dial *447*4053#

Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/16th-friends-of-africa-summit-globalscaling-investment-partnerships-ghana-tickets-1988409508366

Can organizations participate as partners or sponsors?

Yes. Organizations interested in partnerships, sponsorships, exhibitions, delegations or other forms of participation can contact foaglobal@friendsofafrica.ca.

STAY CONNECTED

Follow GCCC for Summit announcements, speaker updates, programme information, registration reminders and business opportunities.