Ghana and Nigeria are set to jointly host the 2026 World Summit of the International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management. The summit, scheduled for October 12 to 18 in Accra and Akosombo, will bring together global supply chain leaders and business executives. The theme of the summit is “Integrated Supply Chain Management – The Panacea for Global Sustainable Growth and Development.”
The summit aims to provide a platform for stakeholders to exchange knowledge and explore emerging technologies. It also seeks to develop strategies to strengthen supply chains amid growing global economic and logistical challenges. According to Mr. Augustus Obuadum Tanoh, Presidential Adviser on the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme, Ghana’s participation in the summit reflects the importance of integrated supply chains to the country’s economic transformation agenda.
Mr. Tanoh stated that the summit highlights the need for Ghana to build seamless value chains linking production from the farm to the factory. He also mentioned that the government is seeking to improve supply chain and market efficiency through its Connect24 sub-programme. The programme aims to leverage the Volta Economic Corridor and a multimodal transport system linking rail, road, inland waterways, and air transport.
The integration of supply chains is expected to reduce the cost of doing business and improve production efficiency. It will also make Ghanaian products more competitive in international markets. Mr. Tanoh noted that integrated supply chain management is critical to sustainable development. This includes reducing waste and post-harvest losses, strengthening food security, creating decent jobs, and promoting a just and green transition.
The success of the agenda depends on skilled, ethical, and globally competitive supply chain professionals and institutions. These institutions should be capable of setting standards and developing the competencies required by the modern economy. The summit’s organisers noted that its broader African objective is to promote local content development.
The summit also aims to help shift the continent from an import-dominated economic structure towards greater intra-African trade and value addition. It will showcase Ghana’s tourism and cultural heritage, with optional activities including a Volta Lake cruise and visits to traditional palaces. The IFPSM World Summit 2026 is expected to strengthen collaboration among supply chain professionals while creating opportunities for business partnerships and investment.
The programme will feature a Professional Summit, Business Summit, and Tourism Supply Chain Day, alongside exhibitions and networking sessions. The events will promote knowledge exchange and innovation across Africa and the global supply chain ecosystem.
Key points
- The summit will focus on sustainable growth and development through integrated supply chain management.
- The event will bring together global supply chain leaders and business executives to deliberate on strategies for strengthening supply chains.
- The summit aims to promote local content development and intra-African trade.
