Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Sampson Ahi, has called for stronger economic and industrial cooperation between Ghana and Burkina Faso to boost trade, attract investment, and create sustainable jobs across the sub-region.
He made the call at a bilateral meeting with Burkina Faso’s Minister for Industry, Trade and Craft, Donatien Nagalo, in Ouagadougou as part of the Invest in Burkina Faso forum themed “Structural Investments for a Sovereign Burkina Faso.” The event brought together government officials, investors, and business leaders to strengthen regional partnerships and promote economic integration.
Ahi said Ghana and Burkina Faso share more than a border, they share a long history of friendship, cultural exchange, and a vision for a united and prosperous West Africa. He emphasized that both countries must build on these ties to create economic opportunities that benefit their citizens.
“Ghana and Burkina Faso not only share a border but also a deep history of friendship, cultural exchange, and a common vision for a prosperous and united West Africa,” he said.
The Deputy Minister highlighted that as the region faces challenges of job creation, competitiveness, and resilience, responsible investment and the free movement of goods are essential. He noted that forums such as Invest in Burkina Faso are vital platforms for linking business opportunities with capital, technology, and skills, turning ideas into projects that deliver real impact for both nations.
Growing Trade Between the Two Nations
Trade between Ghana and Burkina Faso continues to grow steadily, reaching an estimated US$300 million in 2024. Ghana’s exports include processed foods, pharmaceuticals, construction materials, and cocoa derivatives, while it imports cotton, textiles, livestock, shea butter, and sesame seeds from Burkina Faso.
According to Ahi, these trade exchanges illustrate the complementary nature of both economies and the opportunities for further collaboration, particularly in value-added agriculture and industry.
Strengthening Ghana’s Industrial Competitiveness
The Deputy Minister also cited Ghana’s flagship industrial and agribusiness initiatives aimed at creating a more competitive investment environment. These include the Feed the Industry Programme, which ensures a reliable supply of raw materials for agro-processing; and the Agribusiness Development and Value Extension Programme, which promotes value addition and stronger agricultural value chains.
Other initiatives such as MAKE24 and BUILD24 focus on improving industrial productivity and infrastructure, positioning Ghana as a key investment destination within West Africa.
Ahi added that Ghana’s business-friendly policies, including the Textiles and Garments Policy, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Policy, and Automotive Component Manufacturing Policy, offer investors incentives to partner across sectors. He encouraged Burkinabé businesses to explore opportunities for joint ventures, particularly in areas where both countries’ strengths complement each other. For instance, Burkina Faso’s cotton production could support Ghana’s textile mills, while its tomato and vegetable crops could serve as inputs for Ghana’s food processing industry.
Infrastructure and Energy Integration
Ahi noted the importance of improving cross-border infrastructure and logistics, particularly the Tema–Ouagadougou trade corridor, to reduce transportation costs and facilitate faster movement of goods. He said improvements to dry ports and warehousing facilities would further strengthen trade efficiency.
Energy integration was identified as another key area of potential collaboration, with both countries exploring investments in renewable energy and power interconnections to support industrial development and enhance competitiveness.
Turning Dialogue into Action
To ensure progress, Ahi proposed concrete steps, including identifying joint pilot projects in sectors such as cotton, tomato processing, logistics, and energy within six months. He also called for the establishment of a Joint Investment Facilitation Desk to streamline investor approvals and enhance collaboration.
Additionally, the deputy minister underscored the importance of strengthening quality standards and certification systems to ensure that products from both countries meet international market requirements, especially under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
A Call to Strengthen Regional Prosperity
Ahi concluded by acknowledging that both nations expect tangible outcomes from forums like Invest in Burkina Faso. He urged stakeholders to move beyond discussions to create jobs, expand industries, and strengthen a resilient West African market.
He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to a future of shared prosperity built on the pillars of trade, investment, and industrialization, and encouraged both governments to turn dialogue into sustained economic action.
Organized under the auspices of the Burkina Faso Ministry of Industry, Trade and Craft and graced by Head of State Capt. Ibrahim Toure, the forum provided a platform for regional leaders to explore joint investments and strategies for deepening economic cooperation. Ghana’s participation reflects its broader commitment to regional integration and expanding opportunities for Ghanaian businesses within the West African market and beyond.
