Strategic Chinese Investment Key to Growth, Says Trade Minister

Madam Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Ghana’s Minister for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, has made a compelling case for increased strategic Chinese investment in Ghana under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). She called on Chinese investors to take advantage of Ghana’s favourable business environment and ongoing economic reforms to deepen bilateral cooperation and stimulate mutual growth.

Speaking during the China-Africa CEO Dialogue on Friday, June 13, in Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province in China, Madam Ofosu-Adjare emphasised Ghana’s readiness to serve as a gateway for trade and investment in West Africa. The dialogue formed part of the Fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) held from June 12 to 15, 2025, which brought together over 500 high-level delegates, including government officials, corporate leaders, and representatives from financial institutions and development organisations.

The Trade Minister encouraged Chinese businesses to leverage Ghana’s strategic location, stable political environment, and investor-friendly policies—such as the 24-hour economy initiative—to access broader regional and global markets.

“Ghana offers a peaceful business environment, a strong rule of law, and a geographically strategic position,” she noted. “These factors create a competitive advantage for investors who are looking to serve not only Ghana but the entire African continent and beyond.”

She highlighted the transformative potential of the Belt and Road Initiative, China’s global infrastructure development strategy launched in 2013, which spans over 150 countries and organisations. The BRI, built around six major development corridors, focuses on integrated infrastructure systems including road, rail, energy, and digital networks. According to Madam Ofosu-Adjare, aligning Ghana’s development priorities with the BRI framework could yield long-term benefits for both nations.

The Minister also underscored Africa’s economic prospects, citing recent projections that the continent is poised to become the second fastest-growing economy globally in 2025. She said 40 African countries, including Ghana, are expected to record higher growth rates than they did in 2023.

“Africa stands at a pivotal moment—marked by transformation, innovation, and industrial expansion,” she said. “But our true potential lies not just in our natural resources, but in our ability to process, refine, and innovate—turning raw materials into high-value products that drive sustainable job creation and inclusive growth.”

She called on Chinese investors to move beyond traditional trade models and embrace transformational partnerships rooted in technology transfer, sustainable industrial practices, and support for globally competitive African enterprises.

Madam Ofosu-Adjare also urged the Chinese private sector to seize the vast opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which offers access to a market of 1.3 billion people with a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion. She said this, combined with a rising middle class, presents a unique investment landscape ripe for long-term partnerships.

“Let us embrace this opportunity for transformative change by building partnerships that are not only commercially beneficial but also socially and environmentally responsible,” she added.

She commended the contributions of Chinese firms already operating in Ghana, including Zonda, Sinotruk, Sunda, Keda, Sentuo, Sunon Asogli, and Huawei, noting that they had become integral to Ghana’s industrial and technological advancement.

The China-Africa CEO Dialogue focused on themes such as green energy and financial innovation, with participants exploring ways to foster economic resilience and sustainability through deeper collaboration. According to expo organisers, the event is expected to conclude with 128 cooperation projects signed or matched, with an estimated total value of over $7 billion. These agreements span key sectors including manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, transportation, and digital services.

Other distinguished speakers at the plenary included Mr. Cao Zhiqiang, Vice Governor of the People’s Government of Hunan Province; Mr. Joseph Olasunkanmi, Director General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership; Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the UNDP Africa Regional Bureau; and Chief Diana Chen, Chair of Choice International Group.