President John Dramani Mahama, has opened the 3rd Ghana-EU Business Forum urging donors, investors, and industry leaders to harness the untapped potential of key value chains to drive sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

Organized by the European Union and the Government of Ghana under the theme “Fostering Investment in high growth potential Value Chains under the EU Global Gateway Strategy,” the Forum reaffirmed the shared commitment to diversifying trade and investment beyond traditional sectors. The event aligns with the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy, which prioritizes green, digital, and inclusive development partnerships worldwide.

In his keynote address, President Mahama emphasized Ghana’s readiness to pivot toward innovative 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. 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, underscored the urgency of collaboration in critical sectors:

“This year’s theme resonates profoundly in our global context. We will focus on agribusiness, pharmaceutical/health, and energy—three sectors central to societal well-being. By strengthening these value chains, we enhance strategic autonomy while fostering connections between Ghana and Europe.”

During the event, the European Union unveiled transformative initiatives to bolster Ghana’s economy:

1. BETTER FARMING in Northern Ghana to boost the transition towards a sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture. With €19.5 million (co-funded by France and implemented by AFD), the initiative focuses on shea, soya, vegetables, and beekeeping value chains in the Northern, Upper West, Upper East, Savannah, and North East regions.

2. Green, Digital, and Inclusive Private Sector Development to foster a greener, digitalized, and inclusive private sector (including creative industries, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals). With €17.3M (co-funded by the Netherlands and France) and co-implemented by RVO, Expertise France, UNCDF, the project has a focus on Northern Ghana (Tamale).

3. Team Europe Initiative – Investing in Young Businesses in Africa (IYBA) to support early-stage businesses and young entrepreneurs, particularly women, with financial and

technical resources. The project covers 9 African countries with €4 billion for Sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana.

4. AgriFI – Ghana Country Window to strengthen agribusiness value chains, establish six fulfilment centres (aggregation, quality control, logistics) and expand digital platforms with €2.23 million loan via EU and EDFI Management Company for Complete Farmer (agritech firm).