Government is seeking to draw more private investment into agriculture and agro-processing to boost industrialisation, create jobs and strengthen local value chains.
Speaking at the opening of the 2nd West Africa Agri Show (WAAS) and the 3rd Annual National Livestock Day in Accra on Tuesday, September 29, Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Sampson Ahi, said agriculture remains a “central pillar of the country’s economic transformation” and a key component of the 24-Hour Economy.
He said government was working to establish an “enabling investment environment” through tax incentives for agro-processing machinery and innovative financing mechanisms intended to de-risk investment across the agricultural value chain.
The measures are expected to support investment beyond primary production by encouraging businesses to expand into processing, storage and other value-adding activities that can increase the economic returns from agricultural production.
Africa’s food and agriculture market is projected to reach US$1 trillion by 2030, supported by population growth, urbanisation, changing consumer preferences and expanding regional trade.
Despite the size of the opportunity, Mr Ahi said Africa continues to depend significantly on food imports, making increased investment in domestic production and processing important for strengthening food supply and industrial capacity.
He therefore called for a transition “from production to value addition”, with stronger public-private partnerships to ensure agricultural growth translates into increased economic opportunities.
India is also seeking to expand commercial cooperation with Ghana in the sector. High Commissioner to Ghana, Surinder Bhagat, identified opportunities in “animal health and veterinary services, dairy and poultry development”, alongside agro-processing, post-harvest management, agricultural machinery and irrigation.
He encouraged Indian exhibitors to establish “long-term partnerships with Ghanaian businesses”, particularly in areas that promote local value addition, skills transfer and job creation.
The two-day WAAS, organised by Azalix Business Media in partnership with the Ghana National Association of Farmers and Fishermen, brings together farmers, agribusinesses, technology providers and investors from Ghana, India and across the region.
The event is providing a platform for businesses to explore investment opportunities and partnerships while showcasing technologies, machinery and solutions aimed at improving productivity and efficiency across the agricultural value chain.
