Ghana has officially begun the countdown to hosting one of the world’s most prestigious gatherings of financial market professionals, the ACI World Congress 2026, following a colourful unveiling and launch ceremony held in Accra on Thursday.
The global congress, scheduled for May 21 to May 22, 2026, will bring together market practitioners, regulators, policymakers and investors from across the world under the theme “Elevating Markets, Empowering People.” It marks the first time in nearly two decades that the ACI World Congress will be hosted in sub-Saharan Africa and the first time Ghana will stage the event in the 70-year history of ACI.
Delivering the keynote remarks at the launch, the First Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Zakari Mumuni, congratulated ACI Ghana for winning the competitive bid to host the congress, describing it as a major milestone for the country’s financial markets.
“It is indeed an honour to join you for the launch of the ACI World Congress 2026,” Dr. Mumuni said. “Ghana’s selection to host this prestigious event marks a significant milestone for our country and our financial markets. This is the first time in nearly two decades that sub-Saharan Africa will host the ACI World Congress, after South Africa several years ago, and Ghana is now the next.”
He commended the Local Organising Committee and ACI Ghana for what he described as “marvellous work,” noting that the achievement was a testament to Ghana’s growing reputation as a stable and credible financial hub.
“The Bank of Ghana is indeed proud to support this initiative,” he said, adding that hosting the congress would provide a unique platform to strengthen financial infrastructure, deepen international partnerships and showcase Ghana’s progress in global finance.
Dr. Mumuni used the occasion to highlight recent macroeconomic gains, attributing them to decisive policy measures implemented over the past year.
He disclosed that inflation had declined sharply to about 5.4 per cent in December 2025 from 23.8 per cent a year earlier, while the Ghana cedi recorded its first annual appreciation since 1992.
“These developments have been supported by significant external buffers, which currently exceed 13.8 billion US dollars, equivalent to about 5.7 months of import cover,” he said. “Under the IMF programme, this puts us well ahead of our reserve accumulation targets.”
He further outlined reforms in the financial sector, including the passage of the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act, which provides a legal framework for regulating virtual assets, and the introduction of guidelines for non-interest banking to diversify financial services.
Co-chairs of the Local Organising Committee outlined the structure and vision for the congress, explaining that the programme would open with a keynote address setting the strategic tone on how global financial markets are evolving amid changing macroeconomic conditions, regulation, technology and shifting capital flows.
They said plenary sessions and panel discussions would cover foreign exchange, fixed income markets, digital assets, policy, ethics and diversity, with a strong emphasis on practical, experience-led insights rather than theory.
“Equally important is the experience. From the day delegates touch down in this country, we are facilitating ease, comfort and smooth connections. This congress has been curated to give delegates a truly Ghanaian and African experience,” said Kofi Koduah-Sarpong, a co-chair.
Details of registration fees were also announced, with early-bird, advanced and full-rate options available, and organisers encouraging early participation. Registration has officially opened on the conference website and mobile app.
The President of ACI Ghana, Mr. Lawrence Osilaja Boampong, described the hosting of the congress as both timely and critical, particularly as Ghana consolidates its economic recovery.
“After the Domestic Debt Programme, we have seen significant efforts by government to put us on a path of recovery,” he said.
“Inflation performance, currency stability and renewed investor interest mean many are asking what is happening in Ghana. This congress comes at the right time to give Ghana the visibility and appeal we need on the international market,” he added.
Mr. Boampong further stated that the congress would open Ghana and Africa to new capital inflows, partnerships and deal-making opportunities, adding that investors from the Middle East and Europe had already expressed strong interest.
“We are promising nothing short of a world-class congress in May,” Mr. Boampong said, calling on all stakeholders to support what he described as a historic opportunity for Ghana and the continent.
