A high-level delegation from Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT), the official trade and investment promotion agency of the Government of Flanders, Kingdom of Belgium, has visited the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry (MoTAI) to explore avenues of economic collaboration and investment in Ghana’s growing industrial sectors.
The meeting highlighted both nations’ commitment to expanding bilateral trade and fostering sustainable industrial partnerships.
Led by Mr. Luc Strybol, Vice President for the Americas and Africa at FIT, and accompanied by Ms. Florence E.N.A. Acolatse, Trade Advisor at FIT’s Accra representation, the Belgian delegation held discussions with the Deputy Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Sampson Ahi.
The talks centred on trade, industrialisation, and the government’s flagship 24-hour economy agenda with Hon. Ahi, acknowledging Belgium’s consistent partnership with Ghana and praising the enduring bilateral relations that have supported mutual growth over the years.
He revealed that trade between the two countries currently stands at about US$16 million, with Ghana mainly exporting cocoa and gold while importing refined and industrial products from Belgium.
“We are working to ensure that our industries operate at full capacity by facilitating access to raw materials and supporting certification and standardisation to meet export requirements. We invite investors to partner with us to grow sectors that can drive job creation and industrial growth”
Hon. Sampson Ahi, Deputy Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry
Hon. Ahi also outlined key aspects of Ghana’s 24-hour economy initiative, designed to expand industrial output, enhance productivity, and create jobs through continuous business operations. He emphasised the “need for foreign investment in value addition,” particularly in agriculture, textiles, and manufacturing, to close production gaps and boost exports.
The Deputy Minister assured the delegation of the government’s readiness to facilitate investment through policy incentives and institutional support.
He cited tax exemptions on imported machinery, tax holidays for new firms, and partnerships available through the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority (GIPC) and Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA).
“Our legal system safeguards every investor’s interest. We have a peaceful democracy, a strong judiciary, and a stable economy that provide a safe environment for business growth”
Hon. Sampson Ahi, Deputy Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry
The Deputy Minister also highlighted the government’s efforts under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration to enhance the ease of doing business and expand access to industrial infrastructure.
Belgium’s Interest
Mr. Luc Strybol, representing the Government of Flanders, commended Ghana’s economic reforms and political stability, noting that Belgium viewed Ghana as a reliable and strategically positioned hub for trade and investment in West Africa.
“Political stability, the rule of law, and Ghana’s vibrant private sector make this country an ideal destination for long-term investment,” Mr. Strybol stated. He further indicated Flanders’ intention to move beyond simple trade exchanges toward deeper business partnerships.
“We are eager to see how we can move from mere import and export to real business partnerships and investments. Our plan is to bring a trade delegation to Ghana soon and explore areas where Belgian and Ghanaian companies can work together”
Mr. Luc Strybol, Vice President for the Americas and Africa at FIT
Mr. Strybol announced that Flanders would organise a Ghana-focused investment conference in Antwerp in early 2026, followed by a trade mission to Ghana later that year. These initiatives are expected to link Belgian investors with local enterprises in key sectors such as agriculture, energy, textiles, manufacturing, and infrastructure.
The discussions also explored collaborative opportunities in energy and water infrastructure, railway rehabilitation, and automotive assembly. Hon. Ahi reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to pursuing partnerships that advance sustainable industrialisation, technological transfer, and local capacity development.
Both sides agreed to maintain ongoing engagement to build on the outcomes of the meeting and deepen trade and investment relations between Ghana and Belgium.
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