Shaping Our Future Together (SHOFT), a not-for-profit organisation based in Bradford, United Kingdom (UK), has announced that it will host the maiden edition of the Ghana–Yorkshire Trade & Investment Summit 2026 (GYTIS 2026), in Bradford on the 11 September 2026. 

The summit is essentially, a bilateral economic forum designed to bring together businesses, investors, entrepreneurs, NGOs, government institutions and private-sector organisations from Ghana and Yorkshire. 

GYTIS 2026 is founded on a clear economic imperative: to create and facilitate productive business opportunities between Ghana and Yorkshire that expand Ghana’s economic engagement in the United Kingdom outside the conventional concentration on London. 

GYTIS 2026 represents a deliberate effort to open a new chapter in Ghana–UK economic engagement by connecting Ghana with the economic strengths of Northern England. 

The Summit will focus on practical areas including trade, investment, tourism, manufacturing, agribusiness, technology, education, financial services, renewable energy, logistics and the creative industries. 

GYTIS 2026 is intended to identify real business opportunities and create the relationships needed to pursue them. The Summit will provide opportunities for Ghanaian and Yorkshire businesses to meet directly, explore new markets, discuss investment opportunities, identify areas of mutual interest and develop potential partnerships, joint ventures and commercial relationships. 

The Summit is being developed with the support and participation of key institutions, including the UK High Commission, the University of Bradford School of Management, and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. 

SHOFT is therefore inviting the public, businesses, entrepreneurs, investors, tourism stakeholders, financial institutions, government and private-sector organisations, NGOs and the media to participate in this important initiative. 

In August 2025, the Executive Director of SHOFT CIC, Mrs Nana Abena Owusuwah Hagan, and her team organised the Igniting Dreams 2025 summit. The Igniting Dreams 2025 summit, electrified the City Hall in Bradford with vibrant colours, infectious energy, and a clear sense of purpose.”

The day was a masterclass in possibilities, featuring remarks and inspiring speeches from distinguished guests, including the King’s representative, Dr Manoj Joshi MBE, DL, and past Lord Mayor, Cllr Bev Mullaney, and present Deputy Lord Mayor, Fozia Shaheen, as well as Dr. Sofia Buncy, MBE DL.

The rest were Dr Sally Arrey, Saffy Saffron, Anne Sutcliffe Rotary Club, Adventurers Frances Holling, Dorcas Amusan Fagborun Mbe. Saliha Ali and other distinguished personalities, alongside thought-provoking AI and digital innovation lectures by industry experts.

The Mini Market was not just a side attraction, but rather, an exhibition of products, buzzing with activity as attendees discovered, bought and sold products; it became a fertile ground for market actors.

True to the theme, “Leveraging AI and Digital Platforms to Unlock New Business Potentials,” Igniting Dreams 2025 was more than a summit. Concisely, it was a platform for networking, skill acquisition and empowerment.

Igniting Dreams Business Exhibition is a yearly event, and the brainchild of SHOFT CIC, which seeks to empower women and young girls to build entrepreneurial awareness and skills.

The event is targeted to attract women and young ladies with keen interest in business start-ups and looking to progress their entrepreneurial ideas into fruitful ventures.

The event is also opened to women and young ladies with varying experiences in budding ventures who are looking to build stronger business acumen, harness potential local partnerships, and explore new market opportunities.

Igniting Dreams has created a platform for women from diverse backgrounds, races, and religions to unite under one vision: to excel in the business industry. SHOFT – CIC firmly believe in the importance of women in society and the organisation also believes that when “women thrive, society progresses.”

The Ghana–Yorkshire Trade & Investment Summit 2026 is scheduled to take place on 11 September 2026 at the University of Bradford, United Kingdom. 

For enquiries and partnership opportunities, please contact SHOFT on +44 7392 119094 or [email protected]. For updates and further announcements, follow SHOFT across its social media platforms.