SA-Ghana relations moving in the right direction - Acting High Commissioner

South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner to Ghana, Thando Dalamba, says trade relations between the two nations are steadily improving, with both governments committed to deepening economic cooperation across key sectors.

He made the remarks at the Global South Africans Business Luncheon held in Accra on November 20, 2025, an engagement jointly organised by Brand South Africa, the South African High Commission and the Ghana–South Africa Business Chamber to strengthen diaspora ties and promote trade and investment across the continent.

According to Dalamba, bilateral trade has grown from 14 billion South African rand in 2020 to 18 billion rand (approximately USD 1 billion) in 2024, signalling progress though not at the level both countries aspire to reach.

He explained that trade matters are guided by the Binational Commission, which met in South Africa in March 2024 to address challenges and identify growth opportunities. The next session is expected to be hosted in Ghana in 2026.

“We are positive that things are moving in the right direction between the two countries,” he stressed.

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Dalamba highlighted mining, agriculture, agribusiness, hospitality, retail and real estate as core sectors driving bilateral cooperation.

He emphasised the Ghana–South Africa Business Chamber’s role in supporting private-sector partnerships, noting that despite a few “hiccups,” most challenges can be resolved through ongoing dialogue.

On the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), he expressed optimism but urged greater public communication from the AfCFTA Secretariat to ensure businesses fully understand the regime’s benefits.

He referenced a South African shipment to Ghana under AfCFTA rules as evidence that the agreement is operational, though more awareness is needed.

Head of the Diaspora Desk at the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Nadia Okudzeto speaking on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer

Simon Madjie

, underscored Ghana’s shift toward recognising the diaspora as a strategic engine for growth.

She revealed that GIPC has developed a Diaspora Engagement Policy, a Diaspora Desk and the Investment Opportunity Mapping Project, which highlights investment-ready prospects across the country.

“Every nation is recognising the potential of the diaspora, we want to ensure that the great work you’re doing is captured and supported.”

Brand South Africa’s General Manager for Global Markets, Jimmy Ranamane, echoed the need for deeper people-to-people engagement, explaining that trade thrives when human connections are strong.

“Before you can even think of trade, you need to have that human interaction,” he noted.

Ranamane also emphasised that the delegation’s presence in Ghana forms part of efforts to amplify South Africa’s G20 message of solidarity, equality and sustainability across the continent.



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