SEC launches Africa Virtual Asset Summit 2026 to advance responsible digital asset ecosystem

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Ghana has inaugurated the Africa Virtual Asset Summit (AVAS) 2026, a two-day event scheduled for the 2nd and 3rd of November 2026 at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra. The summit's primary theme is "Tokenisation: Africa's Pathway Towards Building a Trusted, Inclusive and Innovative Virtual Asset Ecosystem." AVAS 2026 aims to generate practical outcomes, including a proposed Accra Declaration, policy recommendations, and cross-border partnerships.

Ghana has already established a legal foundation for the virtual asset sector with the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act, 2025 (Act 1154). This law grants the SEC responsibility for tokenisation, virtual asset issuance, exchanges, investment advisory services, and funds. Additionally, the Commission operates a regulatory sandbox that allows firms to test products under supervision before seeking full licensing.

Dr. James Klutse Avedzi, Director-General of the SEC, highlighted Ghana's significant involvement in virtual assets and emphasized the need for clear, consistent, and credible regulations that foster innovation, investor protection, and market confidence. He also explained how tokenisation can transform Africa's substantial real assets, such as land, gold, cocoa, trade receivables, and infrastructure, into tradable capital by enabling smaller digital interests and lowering the cost of capital.

AVAS 2026 will focus on addressing the regulatory challenges and opportunities presented by virtual assets, with a particular emphasis on achieving continental alignment on licensing, supervision, and market rules. The summit will explore tokenisation in real-world assets, digital markets, and financial inclusion, while also addressing issues such as digital asset infrastructure, custody, payment rails, digital identity, and compliance technology.

Over 40 speakers from more than 30 countries are expected to attend the event, with more than 2,000 delegates in attendance.