Ghana Property & Lifestyle Expo: How a Dubai Business Owner Is Powering Diaspora Innovation Tools for Home Investment

Introduction

In 2025, the Ghana Property & Lifestyle Expo announced an ambitious plan to bring its flagship event to Dubai in 2026. The move is part of the expo’s 10‑year anniversary celebrations and reflects a strategic effort to connect with the growing community of Ghanaian professionals and investors living in the United Arab Emirates. This article explains the Expo’s goals, the opportunities it creates for diaspora stakeholders, and the practical steps for those who wish to participate.

Why This Expo Matters Now

Ghana’s real‑estate sector has experienced steady growth over the past decade, driven by urbanisation, infrastructure development, and a youthful population. At the same time, the diaspora – especially those based in the Gulf, the United Kingdom, and the United States – have shown increasing interest in investing back home. However, many potential investors cite security, transparency, and access to reliable financing as key barriers. By extending its reach to Dubai, the Expo aims to remove these obstacles and position Ghana as a trusted destination for diaspora innovation tools in property acquisition.

Key Points

Below are the most important take‑aways from the announcement and related developments.

Expo’s Global Expansion

The upcoming Dubai edition will be the first international off‑shoot of the Ghana Property & Lifestyle Expo. Planned for 2026, the event will run alongside the annual Accra showcase and will be positioned as a hub for networking, deal‑making, and knowledge exchange between Ghanaian developers, financial institutions, and overseas investors.

Investor Support Mechanisms

Organisers emphasize a “one‑stop‑shop” model that brings together vetted developers, lifestyle brands, and government agencies under one roof. This arrangement is intended to simplify the due‑diligence process and give investors direct access to decision‑makers.

Financial Partnerships

Fidelity Bank has committed to offering mortgage solutions that cover up to 80 % of a property’s purchase price. The bank’s product suite includes loan facilities, escrow services, and title‑perfection options designed to protect both buyers and sellers.

Safety and Transparency Focus

Past editions of the Expo have been praised for addressing fraud concerns through rigorous vetting processes and close collaboration with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), the Ghana Diaspora Office, and the Ghana Tourism Authority. These partnerships are highlighted as essential for building trust among first‑time diaspora investors.

Background

Understanding the Expo’s evolution helps clarify why the Dubai venture is a logical next step.

Origins of the Ghana Property & Lifestyle Expo

The event was launched in 2017 as a modest gathering of local developers and prospective homeowners. Its primary aim was to showcase Ghana’s emerging property market and to provide a platform for networking.

Previous Editions and Milestones

Over the past eight years, attendance has grown from a few hundred participants to over 10,000 visitors annually. Each year has introduced new elements, such as technology‑driven property tours, sustainability workshops, and legal seminars.

Current Organisers and Partners

The Expo is co‑founded by Anna Agyekum and Victoria Ajokun. Both bring extensive experience in real‑estate management and community building. The organisers now work with a consortium that includes the GIPC, the Ghana Diaspora Office, the Ghana Tourism Authority, and several private sector stakeholders such as Fidelity Bank.

Analysis

This section dissects the market dynamics, risk factors, and strategic advantages associated with the Expo’s Dubai expansion.

Market Trends in Ghanaian Real Estate

Recent data from the Ghana Real Estate Association indicates a 6‑8 % annual increase in property values across major cities like Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi. Infrastructure projects – including the expansion of Kotoka International Airport and the development of new industrial zones – are expected to boost demand for both residential and commercial spaces.

Diaspora Demand Drivers

Several factors explain the heightened interest among Ghanaians abroad:

• Remittance inflows that exceed $4 billion annually, providing a stable source of capital.
• Desire for ancestral land ownership and heritage preservation.
• Potential for rental income in a market where occupancy rates in urban centres remain above 85 %.

Risk Mitigation Strategies

To address concerns about fraud, the Expo has instituted a multi‑layer verification process:

1. Background checks on all participating developers.
2. Independent legal reviews of title deeds and land use certificates.
3. Escrow arrangements managed by accredited financial institutions.

These steps are designed to minimise the risk of title disputes and to ensure that investors receive clear, market‑able ownership rights.

Role of Institutional Backing

The involvement of government agencies such as the GIPC and the Ghana Tourism Authority adds credibility to the Expo. Their endorsement signals that the event aligns with national development goals and that participants can expect regulatory support when navigating import‑export, visa, and tax considerations.

Practical Advice

For investors who are considering participation in the Ghana Property & Lifestyle Expo – whether in Accra or Dubai – the following steps can help navigate the process efficiently.

Steps for Prospective Investors

1. Register Early: Secure a visitor badge or investor package through the official Expo website to access exclusive sessions.
2. Conduct Preliminary Research: Review developer portfolios, project timelines, and financial statements before the event.
3. Schedule Meetings: Use the Expo’s matchmaking platform to arrange one‑on‑one meetings with preferred developers or banks.
4. Verify Documentation: Request copies of land titles, permits, and financing terms for any property of interest.

Understanding Financing Options

Fidelity Bank’s mortgage product is a cornerstone of the financing ecosystem:

• Maximum loan‑to‑value (LTV) ratio: 80 % of the purchase price.
• Equity contribution required: 20 % of the purchase price.
• Loan tenure: Up to 20 years, with monthly repayment schedules.
• Additional benefits: Title perfection services and escrow protection.

Investors should obtain a pre‑approval letter before committing to a property to demonstrate financial readiness to sellers.

Evaluating Developer Credibility

Key indicators of a reputable developer include:

1. A track record of completed projects with clear hand‑over dates.
2. Positive references from previous buyers and financial partners.
3. Transparent pricing structures and no hidden fees.
4. Inclusion in the Expo’s vetted developer list, which undergoes a rigorous due‑diligence review.

Legal Considerations for Foreign Buyers

Foreign nationals may purchase property in Ghana, but they must adhere to specific legal frameworks:

• All land in Ghana is held in trust by the state; ownership rights are granted through leaseholds or freehold titles, depending on the jurisdiction.
• Non‑Ghanaians are generally advised to work with a licensed attorney who specialises in real‑estate transactions.
• Anti‑money‑laundering (AML) regulations require full disclosure of the source of funds.
• Tax obligations include property tax, capital gains tax on resale, and potential withholding tax on rental income.

Engaging legal counsel early can prevent costly disputes and ensure compliance with both Ghanaian and international regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: When will the Ghana Property & Lifestyle Expo take place in Dubai?

A: The Dubai edition is slated for early 2026, coinciding with the 10‑year anniversary of the original Accra event. Exact dates will be announced on the official Expo website once confirmed.

Q2: What financing can I expect as a diaspora investor?

A: Fidelity Bank has pledged to provide mortgage facilities covering up to 80 % of a property’s price, subject to a 20 % equity contribution. Loan terms can extend up to 20 years, with monthly repayment options.

Q3: How are properties verified for authenticity?

A: The Expo collaborates with the GIPC and independent title registries to verify land ownership, planning permits, and construction progress. All participating developers must pass a background‑check process before being listed on the official exhibitor roster.

Q4: Can I visit Ghana before deciding to purchase?

A: Yes. The Expo organises site‑tour packages that allow prospective buyers to inspect ongoing projects, meet with developers, and evaluate neighbourhood amenities.

Q5: Are there any tax incentives for diaspora investors?

A: Ghana offers certain incentives, such as reduced withholding tax for foreign investors who commit to long‑term development projects. However, specific incentives vary by project type and location, so it is advisable to consult a tax professional.

Conclusion

The Ghana Property & Lifestyle Expo is evolving from a national showcase into a global gateway for diaspora‑driven real‑estate investment. By launching a Dubai edition in 2026, the organisers aim to connect Ghanaian developers with a financially capable audience that values security, transparency, and structured financing. For investors, the Expo provides a unique convergence of vetted developers, robust mortgage solutions, and direct access to government partners, all of which reduce the traditional barriers to property acquisition in Ghana. As the event approaches its milestone anniversary, it promises to reinforce Ghana’s position as a safe, innovative, and attractive destination for diaspora capital.