Ghana is intensifying efforts to position itself as a regional hub for value-added steel manufacturing, supported by investments in domestic iron ore processing and sustainable production methods.

The country’s industrial development strategy and expanding trade links are the focus of Oxford Business Group’s latest Global Platform video, produced in collaboration with B5 Plus Group, Ghana’s leading steel manufacturer.

The video features insights from Mukesh Thakwani, CEO of B5 Plus Group, who outlines the strategic importance of Ghana’s local iron ore deposits and their role in reducing raw material shortages, improving steel quality and supporting downstream industries.

With steel identified as a key input for sectors such as automotive, construction and oil and gas, Ghana is aiming to scale up domestic production capacity, create employment opportunities, and advance its long-term industrialisation goals.

“Ghana is making significant progress towards self-sufficiency in steel production by developing its local resources and increasing value addition.

"This shift not only strengthens our industrial base but also helps retain foreign exchange and generates thousands of jobs for Ghanaian workers,” said Mukesh Thakwani.

“With supportive government policies such as anti-dumping measures and ongoing investments in green technologies, we believe Ghana can become a competitive exporter of high-quality, sustainable steel products.”

In the video, Thakwani also highlights the challenges associated with green steel production, particularly the high cost of financing and the need for imported technologies.

He emphasises the importance of renewable energy, scrap metal processing, and energy efficiency in building a greener, more resilient steel sector.

Ghana’s geographical position and role as host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat further enhance its ability to serve as a gateway for steel exports to the wider African market.

Marc-André de Blois, Director of Video Content at Oxford Business Group, underscored the broader implications of Ghana’s industrial strategy for regional trade and development.

“Ghana’s steel industry reflects a wider trend across Africa towards value-added production and intra-regional trade,” he said.

“Through this Global Platform video, we highlight how local resource development, policy support and regional integration via AfCFTA are driving structural transformation and economic diversification in Ghana and beyond.”

This Global Platform video was produced by Oxford Business Group in partnership with B5 Plus Group. It offers an in-depth look at Ghana’s evolving steel sector and its potential to contribute to sustainable industrial growth.

Click to watch the full video