Ghana signs MoU with Chinese firm to launch EV assembly plant – Trade minister

Ghana is accelerating its industrialisation agenda with a strong focus on electric vehicle (EV) production, as part of a broader strategy to create jobs, attract investment, and strengthen the country’s competitiveness.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, announced that the Ministry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Shenzhen New Jekyll of China to establish an EV assembly plant in Ghana.

“They are already in Ghana, they have acquired land, and development is far advanced for the factory to begin operations,” she said, adding that discussions are ongoing with Sherry International to set up another EV assembly plant following engagements at the China-Africa Summit.

LIVESTREAMED: Trade Minister speaks at Government Accountability Series.

According to the minister, Ghana’s industrialisation agenda spans textiles and garments, pharmaceuticals, automotive components, and special economic zones, with strategic policies drafted to attract investment and stimulate value addition.

“Investment thrives on policy. Anytime an investor wants to invest, the first question they ask is: What is your policy?” she noted.

Draft policies have been completed for textiles and garments, pharmaceutical manufacturing, special economic zones, and automotive component production.

The Ghana Automotive Development Policy is also being updated to cover EVs, two-wheelers, and three-wheelers.

“The current Automotive Development Policy does not include EVs, yet EVs are the new child on the block. They are environmentally friendly and cost-effective, so we need a policy to govern that space,” Ofosu-Adjare explained.

She highlighted Ghana’s ambition to become a pharmaceutical manufacturing hub for West Africa, stressing that clear policies are key to attracting major investment.

The industrial strategy also aims to support existing companies. As a result, Sunda Company Limited has expanded its operations with a new manufacturing line.

Additionally, selected State-Owned Enterprises, including Akosombo Industrial Company (ATL) and VoltaStar, are under review to restore commercial viability.

Ofosu-Adjare emphasised that these initiatives form part of a rapid industrialisation drive designed to position Ghana as a competitive manufacturing hub in the sub-region and beyond.