Events
Where Ohio and Africa meet in person.
From trade missions to cultural festivals, BAE events are where the relationship becomes real. Our calendar is just getting started — here's what to expect.
Events
From trade missions to cultural festivals, BAE events are where the relationship becomes real. Our calendar is just getting started — here's what to expect.
Save the Date
BAE is proud to join Columbus Sister Cities International and the Ghana Tourism Authority in celebrating Ghana's 70th anniversary with a two-day celebration in Columbus.
Accra, Ghana and Columbus, Ohio have been sister cities since a formal agreement was signed by the mayors of both cities in 2015. In the years since, the relationship has grown into an active partnership among political and civic leaders, traditional authorities, business communities, and cultural institutions — opening up cultural exchange, economic development, and people-to-people connections between the two cities.
As Ghana marks its 70th anniversary, this two-day international music experience gives both cities a platform to connect through shared culture and music. The event brings an award-winning choir together with some of Ghana's leading recording artists, giving Columbus audiences a firsthand experience of Ghanaian music while deepening appreciation for the two cities' longstanding relationship.
Beyond the performances themselves, the event supports cultural tourism and soft diplomacy — opening new pathways for exchange between Ohio and Ghana and introducing Ghana's cultural heritage to audiences across Ohio and neighboring states. Expected attendees include churches, universities, African and diaspora communities, civic leaders, cultural organizations, and music lovers throughout the region.
BAE welcomes corporate partners to help make this cultural initiative possible. Sponsorship offers meaningful brand visibility while demonstrating a commitment to cultural diversity, community engagement, and the growing bond between Ghana and Ohio.
Community Gallery
In July 2026, members of the Buckeye Africa Exchange community joined Columbus-area leaders and elders for a significant cultural occasion — the coronation of Nana Ama Afowa I as Abontsimdomhemaa of the Oguaa (Cape Coast) Traditional Area. From the planning sessions through the ceremony itself, here's a look back.
What To Expect
Delegations and site visits connecting businesses across Ohio and Africa.
Celebrations of music, food, and heritage that bring both communities together.
Panels and workshops on partnership, policy, and opportunity.
Casual gatherings for entrepreneurs, students, and community members to connect.
We're looking for venue partners, sponsors, and co-hosts for our first year of programming.