Ghana is set to host its first-ever Ghana-International Shipping and Logistics Summit in July 2025—an ambitious event aimed at transforming the country’s transport and logistics sectors to enhance global competitiveness.
The two-day summit, organised by Akwaabaa Communication in collaboration with leading industry players, will be held under the theme “Accelerating Action: Transforming Ghana’s Shipping & Logistics Sector for Global Competitiveness.”
The event comes at a critical juncture for Ghana’s shipping and logistics industries, which are grappling with a range of persistent challenges, including infrastructure deficits, regulatory inefficiencies, and rising operational costs.
Industry reports indicate that delays at the country’s ports cost businesses up to $200 million annually in demurrage and storage fees. Cargo clearance times, which typically range from 7 to 14 days, are well above the global standard of 1 to 3 days. These delays, along with fragmented policies and high taxes, are estimated to inflate logistics costs by up to 35 percent.
Such inefficiencies have eroded Ghana’s competitiveness as a regional trade hub and contributed to the rising cost of goods and services. “The sector holds vast potential for trade expansion, job creation, and industrial growth, but it is being weighed down by systemic inefficiencies,” the organisers said in a statement. “A coordinated, inclusive strategy is urgently needed.”
The summit is expected to bring together over 1,000 industry leaders, including more than 100 government officials, along with representatives from port authorities, transport and logistics operators, policymakers, financial institutions, academia, and international development partners.
Key sessions will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, and interactive exhibitions aimed at generating practical solutions. Major agenda items include reducing logistics costs, streamlining regulations, improving infrastructure, facilitating trade, and enhancing access to finance for logistics operators.
Digitalisation will also take centre stage. Technology providers and innovators will lead discussions on customs automation, real-time cargo tracking, and integrated data systems—tools seen as crucial to improving transparency and efficiency across the logistics chain.
Another major focus will be creating opportunities for international trade partners and investors, particularly within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The summit is positioned as a gateway for stakeholders looking to tap into Ghana’s potential as a logistics hub for West Africa.
Access to affordable credit for local logistics firms is also expected to dominate conversations. Organisers note that limited financing continues to constrain innovation and growth in the sector. Banks, development finance institutions, and donor organisations will be engaged to explore sustainable financing models.
