The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) and the Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI) of the Netherlands have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to increase Ghana’s non-traditional exports (NTEs) to the Netherlands and the wider European Union (EU), as the country pushes to diversify its export base and raise export earnings.
The agreement is expected to support Ghana’s target of increasing non-traditional export earnings to US$10 billion by 2030 by improving the competitiveness of local exporters, strengthening compliance with European market requirements and expanding access to buyers across Europe.
The partnership establishes a framework for collaboration in export capacity development, market intelligence, business matchmaking, trade fair participation and technical assistance, with a focus on helping Ghanaian businesses meet the EU’s stringent standards on quality, food safety and sustainability.
GEPA Chief Executive Officer Francis Kojo Kwarteng Arthur described the agreement as a major step towards advancing Ghana’s export diversification agenda, saying it aligns with efforts to reduce the country’s dependence on traditional exports such as gold and unprocessed cocoa.
He said the Netherlands remains Ghana’s leading destination for non-traditional exports and noted that the partnership supports GEPA’s ambition to increase NTE earnings to US$10 billion by 2030 through “understanding importer requirements, strengthening exporter capacity, diversifying Ghana’s export basket and improving product quality”.
According to him, these interventions will position Ghana as a stronger supplier to the European market while boosting export earnings over the medium term.
The collaboration will initially focus on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in strategic sectors, including horticulture, particularly fresh fruits and vegetables, cocoa, agribusiness, and the information technology and business process outsourcing (IT/BPO) industry.
Representing CBI’s Managing Director, Wim van Heumen, said the two institutions would combine their expertise and resources to help Ghanaian exporters improve their competitiveness through certification, sustainability compliance, coaching and technical support, enabling more businesses to access the European market.
The agreement also aims to foster stronger commercial ties between Ghanaian exporters and European importers by promoting strategic partnerships and enhancing market intelligence.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Ghana, Jeroen Verheul, reaffirmed the Dutch government’s commitment to an “equal partnership” with Ghana, “grounded in trade, investment, and shared economic growth”.
He said the European Union remains one of the world’s largest trading blocs. At the same time, the Netherlands serves as a strategic gateway to Europe through its advanced ports, logistics network, inland waterways and cold chain infrastructure.
According to him, the partnership is expected to help address market access constraints facing Ghanaian exporters while creating new opportunities for Dutch and European importers seeking quality products from Ghana. He also stressed the importance of value addition, food safety, sustainability and compliance with European standards in maintaining the competitiveness of Ghanaian exports.
The MoU forms part of GEPA’s broader strategy to deepen international trade partnerships, expand market opportunities for Ghanaian exporters and accelerate growth in the country’s non-traditional export sector.
