Eastern Region Leads Ghana's 2026 Entrepreneurship Index as Business Leaders Drive Innovation and Growth

The Eastern Region has emerged as the premier destination for business in Ghana, securing the top spot in the 2026 Regional Entrepreneurship Freedom (REF) Index. Developed by the Africa Centre for Entrepreneurship and Youth Empowerment (ACEYE), the index awarded the region a score of 6.82, highlighting its superior environment for trade, taxation, and access to finance compared to the other 15 regions. This milestone comes as Ghanaian business leaders and service providers intensify efforts to bolster the national economy through strategic infrastructure investment and professional development initiatives under the current administration of President John Mahama.

Central to this evolving business landscape are initiatives aimed at addressing operational inefficiencies and enhancing customer satisfaction. Nilee Consult is scheduled to host the fifth edition of its Business Growth Accelerator Workshop in Accra on September 24-25, 2026. Held at The Palms by Eagles, the workshop will gather managers and supervisors to tackle the "costly challenges" of fragmented customer experiences and inefficient organizational processes. By focusing on design thinking and business transformation, the event aims to provide the actionable strategies necessary for sustainable performance in an increasingly competitive market.

Innovation in the logistics and transport sectors is also proving vital for national development and industrial support. SMT Ghana recently introduced the Dongfeng range of commercial vehicles at its Kumasi branch, specifically targeting the construction and logistics industries with durable, cost-effective solutions. Marketing Director Hilda Peasah emphasized the availability of flexible financing options to help local businesses acquire essential equipment. These advancements are mirrored by individual excellence in the sector, such as Baaba Hammond, Country Manager for Bolt for Business, who was recently honored in the "Forty Under 40" Awards for Transport and Logistics. Her recognition underscores the growing influence of young professionals in transforming mobility and service delivery across the country.

Together, these developments reflect a multi-faceted approach to economic resilience in Ghana. While the REF Index provides a critical roadmap for regional policy improvements—particularly regarding regulation and property rights—the private sector's focus on capacity building and high-quality logistics suggests a robust path forward. As other regions look to the Eastern Region's success as a benchmark, the synergy between a favorable policy environment, professional mentorship, and technological adoption remains the primary driver for the nation's business future.