Ghana must become Africa's manufacturing and export hub - IPMC Executive Chairman

Executive Chairman of IPMC, Amar Deep Singh Hari, has called for a major shift from Africa’s dependence on imports towards manufacturing and exporting finished products, with Ghana positioned to lead the transformation.

Amar Deep Singh Hari, who is also Co-Chair of the Global Entrepreneurship Festival (GEF) Ghana, said Ghana’s position as host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat provides the country with an opportunity to establish itself as a major manufacturing and export base for the continent.

Speaking at the Global Business Forum on August 28, 2026, he said Ghana should take advantage of its strategic position to attract factories, increase local production and export manufactured goods to other African markets.

“We need to start with manufacturing and exporting from here,” he said.

He noted that Africa has remained heavily dependent on imported finished products despite possessing many of the raw materials required to manufacture those products locally.

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“For a long time, Africa is an import continent. Every country in Africa imports from everywhere in the world, but our exports are minimal,” he stated.

He argued that the continent’s export structure remains heavily concentrated on raw materials, which are shipped abroad for processing before being returned as more expensive finished products.

“Our major export is raw material, and these raw materials get converted abroad and we bring the finished products, which are higher in value,” he said.

Singh Hari called for increased investment in factories across Africa, identifying Ghana as a suitable starting point for expanding manufacturing on the continent.

“We should set up factories in every country in Africa, and Ghana is the first place we must target,” he said.

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He added that Ghanaian manufacturers must also pay particular attention to quality if locally produced goods are to compete successfully in international markets.

According to him, products bearing the Made-in-Ghana label should meet high standards capable of building consumer confidence both at home and abroad.

“Products which are made in Ghana should be top class. And this is the quality which will grow demand for Ghanaian products anywhere in the world,” he said.

DR/MA

Ghana must become Africa’s manufacturing and export hub — IPMC Executive Chairman