At the 2025 Africa Globalized Investment Summit held at the Africa Trade House in Accra, Michael Leslie Bartlett-Vanderpuye, Chairman of M&C Group, delivered a compelling speech calling for a renewed commitment to entrepreneurship, local industry support, and fairer economic structures for Ghanaian businesses.

The event, themed “Invest in AFCFTA, Invest in Ghana, Invest in Africa,” gathered key stakeholders including Ghana’s Chief of Staff, the Chairman of KGL, executives from Afreximbank, and leaders across multiple industries. M&C Group served as the lead sponsor.

Mr. Bartlett-Vanderpuye emphasized that Ghana’s economic growth cannot rely on government alone, stressing the critical role entrepreneurs play in national development.

He noted that while Ghana continues to produce university graduates each year, many leave school with predominantly theoretical knowledge and limited practical skills required for the world of work. This gap, he highlighted, places additional strain on both employers and the nation’s development efforts.

Despite these challenges, he encouraged young people to embrace entrepreneurship, acknowledging that the journey is demanding but ultimately rewarding. “Failure,” he stated, “is not a dead end but part of the process that shapes stronger, more resilient business leaders.”

A key part of his message centered on the need for robust government support for local manufacturers and producers. While advocating for foreign direct investment, Mr. Bartlett-Vanderpuye stressed that Ghana must not neglect its homegrown businesses, which form the backbone of sustainable economic growth.

He highlighted the importance of attracting the right kind of investors by saying, “We need a kind of investor, not the speculative opportunist, but a committed partner. The partner who builds factories, not just extract resources. The partner who transfers technology and trains local talent. The partner who sees Ghana as colleagues and co-creators, not just as a workforce or a market.”

He openly addressed what he described as a concerning imbalance in the tax system. Young entrepreneurs, he noted, are often given tax assessments before their businesses fully take off—assessments that, in some cases, exceed their actual start-up capital. Meanwhile, large tax exemptions and incentives are granted to foreign investors, some of whom reinvest little into the local economy despite benefiting from Ghana’s resources and market.

Mr. Bartlett-Vanderpuye urged policymakers to rethink this structure, arguing that local businesses deserve the same level of support and incentives offered to foreign entities.

“We cannot continue to cripple our young entrepreneurs with harsh tax entry points while opening the floodgates for outsiders,” he said. “If we want Ghanaian businesses to scale, we must create a fair and enabling environment.”

He ended his address with a powerful call for collaboration over competition within the local business community. Unity, shared knowledge, and strategic partnerships, he said, will position Ghanaian companies to thrive not only locally but across the African continent under the opportunities provided by AFCFTA.

Mr. Bartlett-Vanderpuye’s address resonated strongly with the audience, reinforcing the urgent need for systemic reforms and stronger support for indigenous businesses. His message aligns with M&C Group’s long-standing commitment to championing local industry, fostering innovation, and driving Ghana’s economic advancement.