President John Dramani Mahama inaugurated the 3rd Ghana-EU Business Forum in Accra, urging donors, investors, and industry leaders to leverage the unexploited potential of essential value chains to promote sustainable and inclusive economic development.
Organized by the European Union and the Government of Ghana with the theme ‘Fostering Investment in High Growth Potential Value Chains under the EU Global Gateway Strategy,’ the Forum reiterated the mutual commitment to expanding trade and investment beyond conventional sectors.
The event is by the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy, which emphasizes the importance of green, digital, and inclusive development partnerships on a global scale.
In his keynote speech, President Mahama highlighted Ghana’s willingness to shift towards innovative industries. He stated, ‘Ghana is primed for innovation.
By focusing our investments on non-traditional sectors, we can leverage the skills of our youth, generate employment opportunities, and enhance our resilience to global economic fluctuations.
The EU’s Global Gateway Strategy is in perfect harmony with our national vision under the ‘BIG PUSH,’ ensuring that growth is inclusive and benefits all Ghanaians.’
Myriam Ferran, the EU Deputy Director-General for International Partnerships, stressed the critical need for collaboration in essential sectors. She remarked, ‘This year’s theme is particularly relevant in our global landscape.
Our focus will be on agribusiness, pharmaceuticals/health, and energy—three sectors vital for societal welfare. By reinforcing these value chains, we not only improve strategic autonomy but also strengthen ties between Ghana and Europe.’ At the event, the European Union introduced ground breaking initiatives aimed at enhancing Ghana’s economy:
BETTER FARMING in Northern Ghana, designed to facilitate the transition to sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture. With a budget of €19.5 million (co-financed by France and executed by AFD), this initiative targets the shea, soya, vegetables, and beekeeping value chains across the Northern, Upper West, Upper East, Savannah, and North East regions.
The initiative aims to promote a sustainable, digital, and inclusive private sector, encompassing creative industries, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals.
Funded with €17.3 million through contributions from the Netherlands and France, and collaboratively executed by RVO, Expertise France, and UNCDF, the project primarily targets Northern Ghana, specifically Tamale.
The Team Europe Initiative aims to invest in young enterprises in Africa (IYBA) by providing financial and technical support to early-stage businesses and young entrepreneurs, especially women.
This initiative spans nine African nations with a budget of €4 billion allocated for Sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana. Additionally, the AgriFI – Ghana Country Window seeks to enhance agribusiness value chains by establishing six fulfillment centers focused on aggregation, quality control, and logistics, while also expanding digital platforms.
This effort is backed by a €2.23 million loan from the EU and EDFI Management Company for Complete Farmer, an agritech company.
