Ghana intensifies US investment drive with strategic California outreach

Ghana has intensified efforts to attract American capital through a high-level investment outreach mission in California led by Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith.

The February 19–21 mission forms part of a broader economic diplomacy strategy aimed at mobilising strategic U.S. investment into Ghana’s priority sectors while positioning the country as a gateway to Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Recognising California’s global influence in technology, venture capital, renewable energy, agribusiness, and advanced manufacturing, the Embassy of Ghana convened a Ghana–California Investment Roundtable, under the auspices of the Office of the Mayor of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County Economic Development Cooperation (LAEDC).

The event, held in the US Bank Tower building, assembled policymakers, venture capital leaders, private equity firms, agribusiness stakeholders, renewable energy developers, and members of the Ghanaian diaspora.

The Embassy promoted opportunities in: Technology and digital innovation, Large-scale Agriculture and agro-processing, Renewable energy and infrastructure, Manufacturing and industrial parks, as well as Diaspora-led enterprises and partnerships.

Ambassador Smith underscored Ghana’s political stability, which is widely recognised, ongoing economic reforms and the 24-hour Economy framework.

“Ghana is not merely inviting investment; we are offering partnership,” he stated. “We seek long-term collaboration that enables American businesses to access the rapidly growing African market through Ghana.”

Some of the dignitaries present at the ceremony were: Ambassador Kobby Koomson, former Ambassador of Ghana to the United States; Dilpreet Sidhu, Deputy Mayor for International Affairs, Los Angeles; Kim Phan, Deloitte Specialist; Alana Sanchez, International Transportation Policy Manager, California State Transport Agency (CalSTA), among others.

Follow-up mechanisms have been established to convert discussions into concrete investment outcomes.