BigData Ghana, Agbedus Consult to Host Inaugural Africa Geospatial Leadership Forum in Accra

The forum, to be held at The Palms by Eagles under the theme “Mainstreaming Spatial Intelligence for Development, Investment and Decision-Making,” comes as African countries increasingly seek data-driven solutions to challenges ranging from food security and climate change to infrastructure development, natural-resource management and financial risk.

Organised by BigData Ghana, with Agbedus Consult as strategic partner, the two-day event aims to bring geospatial intelligence into mainstream policy, business and investment discussions, highlighting its potential to help institutions make more informed decisions and direct resources where they are needed most.

Spatial intelligence combines satellite imagery, Earth-observation data, digital mapping, artificial intelligence and location analytics to provide insights into the distribution of people, assets, resources and risks.

Organisers say the forum will examine how these technologies can move beyond specialist technical applications to become practical tools for policymakers, investors and business leaders.

The programme will open with discussions on land administration, mining and natural-resource governance, alongside the research and skills needed to strengthen Ghana’s geospatial capabilities.

A keynote session will examine opportunities associated with the Cabinet-approved Ghana Space Agency, including how improved access to satellite and Earth-observation data could support agriculture, insurance, infrastructure planning and climate resilience.

Agricultural transformation will also feature prominently, with participants exploring how geospatial technologies can improve access to information on farmland, weather patterns and environmental conditions to support productivity and food security.

Another key focus will be climate-related financial risk, particularly the role of geographic information systems (GIS) in helping banks meet the Bank of Ghana’s Climate-Related Financial Risk Directive, which took effect for banks in January 2026.

The session will explore how location-based data can help financial institutions identify exposure to climate hazards, assess potential losses and strengthen risk-management strategies.

A chief executive and investor dialogue will examine the commercial opportunities emerging from spatial intelligence, followed by a Leaders’ Roundtable focused on identifying priority applications, addressing barriers to adoption and building partnerships to scale geospatial solutions across sectors.

The forum is expected to conclude with a review of key outcomes and proposed commitments, including a proposed statement or communiqué outlining areas for further collaboration.

On November 12, participants will undertake a technical visit to the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) to engage with the agency’s meteorological and climate information capabilities.

Through the forum, BigData Ghana and Agbedus Consult aim to strengthen collaboration among public institutions, private-sector players, investors, technology providers and development partners, while advancing the use of spatial intelligence as a tool for more effective decision-making and inclusive economic development across Africa.

Written by Sharon Da Fonseca