Ghana’s Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, is leading the nation’s delegation to the Sixteenth Session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD XVI) in Geneva, Switzerland.
The conference, running from October 20 to 23, 2025, is being held under the theme “Shaping the Future: Driving Economic Transformation for Equitable, Inclusive and Sustainable Development.”
Addressing global leaders, Hon. Ofosu-Adjare called on UNCTAD to deepen its focus on investment facilitation, productive capacities, the digital economy, and data-driven development.
According to the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry (MOTAI), her intervention formed part of Ghana’s presentation at the opening plenary and subsequent ministerial meetings, including the African Group Ministerial Meeting and a roundtable on Artificial Intelligence.
“Trade must remain a key engine for inclusive growth. But it must also evolve – embracing digital transformation and sustainability as its twin pillars”
Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry
The Minister outlined Ghana’s broader strategy for inclusive industrial transformation and digital innovation. Central to her message was the role of trade-led growth in creating equitable and sustainable pathways for national and continental development.
“In her engagements, Hon. Ofosu-Adjare showcased a series of national programmes designed to accelerate Ghana’s participation in global and regional trade systems”
Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry
She highlighted the FUND24 blended-finance model, the CONNECT24 infrastructure programme, and the Women’s Development Bank – initiatives aimed at unlocking finance, modernising trade infrastructure, and empowering women and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“Development must be both inclusive and accountable. Our approach integrates finance, innovation, and gender equality to ensure no one is left behind,” she emphasized during the Roundtable on Artificial Intelligence.
The Minister further underscored the urgency of strengthening data systems and digital infrastructure to ensure affordable connectivity across Africa, noting that digital inclusion was vital not just for trade competitiveness but for the “broader goals of equitable growth and regional integration.”
Ghana’s Role in Africa’s Economic Agenda
Hon. Ofosu-Adjare reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), emphasizing that the initiative remains a cornerstone of the country’s trade strategy.
She revealed that the collaboration with AfCFTA includes the development of a digital platform to monitor and address cross-border trade challenges across the continent. “Through AfCFTA, Africa is not just trading goods – we are trading opportunity, innovation, and a shared future,” she remarked.
“Beyond economic transformation, her speech also addressed the global climate agenda, stressing that while environmental action must be ambitious, it must remain transparent and grounded in scientific evidence. This, she said, was key to balancing growth with sustainability”
Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry
The Ministry expressed that Ghana’s participation at UNCTAD XVI is a reinforcement of its leadership in promoting fair and inclusive trade systems. Under President John Dramani Mahama, the country continues to champion the implementation of AfCFTA, digital transformation, and equitable multilateralism across Africa.
As the global community deliberates on the future of trade and sustainable development, Ghana’s delegation – led by Hon. Ofosu-Adjare – has positioned itself at the centre of policy conversations shaping the continent’s next phase of economic transformation.
MOTAI reaffirmed that Ghana’s message at UNCTAD XVI reflects its “commitment to shared prosperity through innovation, inclusion, and integrity in trade.”
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, founded in 1964, continues to serve as a global platform for dialogue on trade, finance, and investment in developing economies.
This year’s session in Geneva has drawn participation from ministers, agency heads, and international partners, all working toward a more equitable and sustainable global economy.
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