Dr Zakari Mumuni among other dignitaries in a photograph
Ghana has officially secured the bid to host the ACI World Congress 2026, marking a historic return of the prestigious global financial markets event to Sub-Saharan Africa after nearly two decades.
The Congress will take place in Accra in May 2026, bringing together financial market professionals and industry leaders from over 60 countries.
Speaking at the official launch on January 15, 2026, the First Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Zakari Mumuni, described the achievement as a major milestone for Ghana and its financial markets.
“Ghana’s election to host this prestigious event is a significant milestone for our country and for our financial markets. This is the first time in nearly two decades that Sub-Saharan Africa will host the ACI World Congress, after it was last hosted by South Africa,” Dr Mumuni said.
Dr Mumuni noted that Ghana’s successful bid is a testament to the country’s growing reputation as a stable and credible financial hub.
He reaffirmed the Bank of Ghana’s support for the Congress, describing it as a unique platform to strengthen financial infrastructure, deepen international partnerships and showcase Ghana’s progress in global finance.
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He stressed the importance of collaboration between regulators and market participants to promote transparency, innovation and trust in the financial system.
The Deputy Governor highlighted recent economic gains, pointing to decisive policies implemented to stabilise the economy.
According to him, inflation declined sharply to about 5.4 percent by December 2025, from 23.8 percent a year earlier, while the Ghana cedi recorded its strongest annual appreciation since 1992.
He added that Ghana’s external buffers have improved significantly, exceeding US$13.8 billion, equivalent to about 5.7 months of import cover.
Dr Mumuni also outlined key regulatory reforms, including the passage of the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act, which provides a legal framework for regulating digital assets, as well as new guidelines for non-interest banking to diversify financial services.
Looking ahead, he expressed confidence in Ghana’s economic outlook, citing fiscal discipline, prudent monetary policy and structural reforms in energy, agriculture and technology as drivers of sustained growth and stability.
In a video message, ACI Global CEO, Rui Correia, said the global ACI community was excited about bringing the World Congress back to Africa, describing Ghana as a fitting host.
“There is no doubt that this is not just a World Congress. This is about elevating markets and empowering people. In May 2026, the world will be united in Ghana,” he said.
Correia noted that the last time the Congress was held in Africa was in South Africa in 2009, and described the Accra event as one that will shape both global and regional conversations in the financial markets industry.
President of ACI Ghana Lawrence Osilaja Boampong, described the hosting rights as a major opportunity for Ghana to showcase its markets and strengthen its role in global finance.
The Deputy Managing Director of CalBank, Johnson Oware, welcomed the development, calling it a strong endorsement of Ghana’s relevance in international financial markets.
He pledged support from the banking industry to ensure the success of the Congress.
The ACI World Congress is the flagship event of the ACI Financial Markets Association, serving as a key platform for dialogue, networking and partnership-building among global financial market stakeholders.
Ghana’s selection makes it the second African country to host the Congress and the first in 17 years, underscoring the country’s growing influence and credibility in global finance.
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