Ghana Courts Chinese Investors as Trade Minister Markets AfCFTA Gateway to 1.4bn Consumers

Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Elizabeth Ofosu‑Adjare has positioned Ghana as a strategic entry point into Africa’s 1.4 billion‑consumer market, urging Chinese investors to seize the country’s unique advantages under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Speaking at the Ghana–China Investment Forum in Jinan, Shandong Province, on Thursday, May 21, 2026, the Minister described Ghana as a profitable, stable and investor‑friendly destination for long‑term industrial partnerships.

She told Chinese business leaders that Ghana’s geographic location, political stability and trade access—including the 400‑million‑consumer ECOWAS market—make it an ideal base for companies seeking to expand across Africa.

According to the Ministry, the Minister emphasised Ghana’s strategic edge as host of the AfCFTA Secretariat, giving investors direct access to the continent’s largest unified market.

Reforms to Boost Investment Climate

Mrs. Ofosu‑Adjare highlighted ongoing economic reforms under President John Dramani Mahama, noting that the newly passed Ghana Investment Promotion Authority Act, 2026 has:

• Removed minimum capital requirements for foreign investors
• Shortened investment approval timelines
• Improved the overall ease of doing business

She said these reforms are designed to accelerate industrialisation, value addition and export‑led growth.

Chinese Firms Already Thriving in Ghana

The Minister cited several Chinese companies—Sentuo Group, KEDA, Sunda and Zonda Tec—as examples of successful industrial partnerships.

• Sentuo Group now employs thousands across steel, ceramics, recycling and oil refining, making it one of Africa’s most successful Chinese investment stories.
• KEDA and Sunda established the Twyford Ceramics factory, which exports to West Africa, Europe and the Americas while sourcing most raw materials locally.
• Zonda Tec is expanding Ghana’s automotive sector through vehicle assembly and electric vehicle production.

Sectors Ripe for Investment

Mrs. Ofosu‑Adjare identified several high‑potential sectors, including:

• Agro‑processing
• Pharmaceuticals
• Textiles
• Recycling and green manufacturing
• Automobile assembly
• Digital technology

She also announced the opening of the China–Ghana Trade and Investment Promotion Centre in Jinan to support Chinese businesses exploring opportunities in Ghana.

“Ghana is ready. Ghana is safe. Ghana is profitable,” she declared, urging investors to take advantage of the country’s expanding industrial and manufacturing landscape.

---CitiNewsRoom