The European Union has announced four major investment initiatives worth over €39 million, targeting Ghana’s agriculture, private sector development, youth entrepreneurship, and agritech.
Unveiled in the presence of President John Dramani Mahama at the opening of the 3rd Ghana-EU Business Forum in Accra, the initiatives represent a concrete step under the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy, which aims to foster sustainable, digital, and inclusive growth through high-potential value chains.
The announcement dominated discussions at the forum themed “Fostering Investment in High Growth Potential Value Chains under the EU Global Gateway Strategy.”
Transformative Projects in Focus
First among the initiatives is BETTER FARMING, a €19.5 million programme co-funded by France and implemented by Agence Française de Développement (AFD), aimed at promoting sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture in Northern Ghana. The programme focuses on value chains such as shea, soya, vegetables, and beekeeping, targeting the Northern, Upper East, Upper West, Savannah, and North East regions.
Second is the Green, Digital, and Inclusive Private Sector Development project, supported by €17.3 million in funding and implemented through a partnership between RVO (Netherlands Enterprise Agency), Expertise France, and UNCDF. The project includes creative industries, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals and is expected to accelerate innovation and job creation, especially in Tamale and the broader Northern region.
The third initiative is part of the Team Europe IYBA (Investing in Young Businesses in Africa) framework. With €4 billion earmarked for Sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana, this project aims to empower early-stage businesses and young entrepreneurs, particularly women, through access to finance and capacity development.
Completing the package is AgriFI – Ghana Country Window, a €2.23 million loan project aimed at strengthening agribusiness value chains. It includes plans for six fulfilment centres to improve aggregation, quality control, and logistics, and will expand digital platforms through partnerships with local agritech firm, Complete Farmer.
Strategic Collaboration for Shared Growth
In his keynote address, President John Dramani Mahama praised the EU’s strong commitment to Ghana’s economic transformation and reiterated Ghana’s readiness to pivot toward value-added sectors.
“Ghana is ripe for innovation. When we prioritize investments in non-traditional sectors, we harness the talent of our youth, create jobs, and build resilience against global economic shocks,” President Mahama said. “The EU’s Global Gateway Strategy aligns perfectly with our national vision under the ‘BIG PUSH,’ ensuring growth that benefits all Ghanaians.”
EU Deputy Director-General for International Partnerships, Ms. Myriam Ferran, emphasized the importance of focusing on strategic sectors such as agribusiness, pharmaceuticals, and energy. “These sectors are central to societal well-being. By strengthening their value chains, we enhance strategic autonomy while building stronger Ghana-Europe ties,” she said.
Repositioning Ghana’s Economy
The Ghana-EU Business Forum, now in its third edition, is a key platform for exploring investment opportunities that extend beyond traditional sectors like mining and oil. With the unveiling of these four initiatives, the EU is signaling a long-term commitment to value chain transformation, youth empowerment, and green growth in Ghana.
The forum is also expected to foster stronger policy dialogue, mobilize private capital, and deepen bilateral ties through sustainable trade and investment.
