200+ participants over 2 days of industry-led innovation.
About MTF 2026
The Maritime Trade Fair (MTF) 2026 is a forum for discussion, knowledge exchange, and innovation, bringing together leaders and stakeholders across the maritime ecosystem. The event combines keynotes, fireside chats, panel discussions and an exhibition to highlight practical solutions, emerging technologies, and innovative financing approaches that are shaping the industry.
Event Experience
Explore the future of maritime through exhibitions, discussions, and industry showcases.
Emerging Trends
Learn about the latest developments shaping maritime operations, technology, and finance.
Panels & Fireside Chats
Join conversations with industry experts and gain practical insights.
Speakers
Hear from leading voices across maritime, logistics, technology, and finance.
Featured Speakers
Engage with inspiring talks on various topics from our distinguished speakers.
Our Partners
Thank you to our partners and sponsors for supporting our mission to advance the maritime industry..
DockCover
Maritime Digest
Clone InventiveEvent Programme
Discover the agenda of our conference and join us for insightful sessions.
Day One – Governance, Infrastructure and Capital
- June 3, 2026 9:00 - 10:00Registration & Exhibition Opens
• Delegate registration
• Exhibition walkthrough (Maritime, Technology, Finance, Insurance, Startups) - 10:00 - 10:10Opening Ceremony
• Welcome Address – MTF Organisers
• Event overview and Objectives - 10:10 - 10:20Opening Keynote – Africa Maritime Economy: Where Policy, Technology and Capital Meet
• Strategic view of trade, ports, inland waterways and investment priorities
- 10:20 – 10:30Opening Keynote Remarks (Guest of Honour)
• Setting the context for maritime growth, regulation, and investment toward 2030
- 10:30 - 11:00Panel: Maritime Law and Digital Governance
• Maritime law in a digital environment
• Digital regulation and compliance
• Flag state and port state control in a digital era
• Data governance, inspections and enforcement
• Balancing innovation with safety and sovereignty - 11:00 - 11:20Coffee Break and Exhibition Walkthrough
- 11:20 - 11:40Fireside Chat: Port Modernisation, PPPs & the 24 Hour Economy
• Smart ports and automation
• Trade efficiency and competitiveness
• Public-private collaboration
• Infrastructure, technology and finance alignment - 11:40 - 12:00Panel: Managing Risk, Finance and Insurance in Maritime Trade
• Operational and safety risk
• Marine insurance, liability and risk modelling
• Climate and environmental risk in shipping
• Financing through traditional bank channels
• ESG frameworks for maritime finance
• Role of regulators and reinsurers in stabilising sector - 12:00 - 12:20Networking & Exhibition Engagement
- 12:20 - 12:40Panel: Digital Port Logistics & Customs Automation
• Port digitalisation
• Trade facilitation and single windows
• Logistics efficiency and data integration - 12:40 - 13:00Panel: Fintech Meets Maritime: Disrupting Payments, Freight Finance & Trade Credit
• Digital trade credit solutions for cross-border shipping
• Blockchain and stable coin application in freight systems
• Fintech enable trade finance platforms for SMEs and startups
• Reducing transaction friction and improving liquidity
• Collaboration between banks, fintech and maritime operators - 13:00 - 13:25Panel: Maritime Journalism, Storytelling and Public Trust
• Shaping public understanding of maritime issues
• Combatting misinformation
• The role of media in policy, investment and accountability
• Creating compelling narratives for investments and youth
• Telling Africa’s maritime story globally
• Launch of Maritime Journalism Fellowship or Awards - 13:25 - 13:50Fireside Chat: Inland Waterways and Trade Growth - Volta Lake and Beyond
• Transport and logistics opportunities
• Safety, regulation and financing
• Development impact - 15:50 - 14:00Closing Remarks
Day Two – Innovation, People and the Future
- June 4, 2026 10:00-10:10Welcome and Recap
- 10:10 - 10:25Keynote: Technology, Trust and Climate Action in the Maritime Economy
• Cybersecurity and data protection
• Climate resilience and ESG
• Green ports and clean shipping - 10:25 - 10:55Panel: Maritime Cybersecurity , Data Sovereignty and Digital Compliance
• Cyber risks to ports, vessels and logistics systems
• Data ownership and cross-border data flows
• Protecting critical maritime infrastructure
• Digital inspections and enforcement
• Role of regulators, operators, and tech providers - 10:55 - 11:10Coffee Break and Exhibition Walkthrough
- 11:10 - 11:35Panel: Lessons from Startups Transforming Maritime Technology
• Port tech, fintech and compliance tools
• Scaling innovation in African markets
• Operator, investor and regulator views - 11:35 - 11:55Fireside Chat – From Vision to Bankable Project
• Informal conversation with a maritime visionary about turning ambitious infrastructure plans in financeable projects
- 11:55 - 12:20Innovators Arena: Startup Pitch Challenge
• Selected maritime and fintech startups
• Live feedback from banks, insurers and operators - 12:20 - 12:50Panel: Women in Maritime Leadership
• Inspirational conversation with senior women on leadership, inclusion, mentorship and change
- 12:50 - 13:20Panel: Maritime Education Spotlight: Building the Next Generation
• Maritime education and training
• Inland waterways and seafarer skills
• Aligning education with industry needs
• Youth participation and pathways - 13:20 - 13:50Fireside Chat: The Future we want: Maritime, Technology and Finance in 2030
• Industry, youth and innovation voices
• Commitment and next steps - 13:50 - 14:00Closing Ceremony (Farewell reception and Media Briefing)
• Key outcomes
• Sponsor recognition
• Announcement of next edition
Travel & Accommodation
Everything you need for your visit
Venue
St Giles Event Centre
East Airport, Accra
Recommended Hotels
| Kempinski Hotel | (28 min) |
| Movenpick Ambassador | (30 min) |
| Airport View Hotel | (12 min) |
| View All Hotels | |
Visa Support
| Delegates are advised to review entry requirements and apply for a Ghana visa well in advance. You will need: |
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Event Updates
Stay informed with the latest highlights from MTF 2026.
