Use Ghana as gateway to ECOWAS consumers – Trade Minister woos Italian investors

The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has urged Italian businesses to use Ghana as a gateway to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) market as the country seeks deeper collaboration with Italy on circular economy and green industrialisation initiatives.

Speaking at the opening of the Ghana–Italy Circular Economy Dialogue in Accra on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, the minister said Ghana's strategic location, stable business environment and growing industrial base make it an ideal destination for Italian investors seeking opportunities in West Africa and across the African continent.

She noted that the dialogue presents an opportunity to transform the longstanding relationship between Ghana and Italy into concrete investments, technology transfer arrangements and industrial partnerships that can create jobs and boost economic growth.

According to her, the government is integrating circular economy principles into its industrial development agenda as part of efforts to promote sustainable growth, reduce waste and improve resource efficiency.

She highlighted ongoing initiatives in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, construction, textiles and fashion, including programmes aimed at converting agricultural waste into bio-inputs and energy, promoting industrial symbiosis and increasing the use of recycled materials.

The minister explained that these interventions are expected to reduce import dependence, increase productivity and strengthen Ghana's export competitiveness within regional and global markets.

Ofosu-Adjare called on Italian businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to take advantage of Ghana's position within ECOWAS, which provides access to a market of more than 340 million people.

She added that Ghana also offers a strategic entry point into the broader African market through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), whose secretariat is headquartered in Accra.

The minister further reaffirmed Ghana's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 64 per cent by 2030, stressing that achieving the target would require significant investments, technology transfer and supportive industrial policies.

She identified technology and knowledge transfer, investment promotion, skills development, standards alignment and green finance as key areas for future cooperation between Ghana and Italy.

Ofosu-Adjare also called for stronger partnerships involving the Ghana Standards Authority, Italian and European certification bodies, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to support the development of green industrial zones and enhance the competitiveness of Ghanaian exports.

She urged universities, including the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), to play a greater role in linking research, innovation and entrepreneurship to support the country's green industrial transformation.

For her part, Italy's Ambassador to Ghana, Laura Ranalli, said Italy remains one of Europe's leading countries in circular economy practices, particularly in waste recycling and the use of secondary raw materials.



She noted that Italy's circular material use rate stands at 20.8 per cent, almost double the European Union average of 11.8 per cent, demonstrating the country's commitment to sustainable industrial development.

Ranalli reaffirmed the Italian government's commitment to supporting Ghana's green industrial transformation agenda and expressed optimism that stronger collaboration would unlock new trade and investment opportunities for both countries.

The Ghana–Italy Circular Economy Dialogue was organised through a partnership involving the World Trade Centre Accra, which served as the local coordination partner, alongside the United Nations Industrial Development Organization Investment and Technology Promotion Office Italy (UNIDO ITPO Italy), the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), Confindustria Assafrica & Mediterraneo, Made in Italy Circular and Sustainable (MICS), the Italian Exhibition Group (Ecomondo), CNA-Federmoda, the E4Impact Foundation, the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, and the Italian Directory of Diasporas for International Cooperation (CIDCI).

BAI