The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Francis Kojo Kwarteng Arthur, has set a new benchmark for Ghana-Italy relations, positioning the Mediterranean powerhouse as a critical partner in the national “Reset Agenda.”
Following a high-level strategic engagement with the Italian Ambassador, Her Excellency Laura Ranalli, Mr. Arthur emphasized that the bond between the two nations is shifting from mere diplomatic cordiality to a robust, technology-driven trade bridge.
This meeting followed the highly successful participation of 20 Ghanaian companies at Macfrut 2025 in Rimini, where “Made-in-Ghana,” fresh produce made significant inroads into European markets. The GEPA CEO noted that the mission is no longer just about exporting raw materials but about embedding Italian industrial excellence into the fabric of Ghanaian manufacturing.
“This meeting is a vital opportunity to reflect on our successes at Macfrut and to explore new frontiers. We are deeply committed to strengthening institutional partnerships that advance Ghana’s export agenda. Our focus is now on expanding opportunities for Ghanaian exporters within the Italian market”
Francis Kojo Kwarteng Arthur, CEO of GEPA
GEPA indicated that building on the momentum from Ghana’s showing at Macfrut, the current discussions are zeroing in on three high-growth sectors: premium packaging, value-added processed goods, and Italy’s world-renowned clothing and textile value chains.
According to the Authority, a central pillar of the GEPA-Italy collaboration is the aggressive push for capacity building. Despite the high quality of Ghanaian raw inputs, “packaging poverty,” has often served as a barrier to European retail shelves.
To counter this, GEPA and the Italian Embassy are exploring the establishment of joint-venture packaging and processing facilities right here in Ghana. By domesticating Italian technology, GEPA aims to ensure that Ghanaian textiles and processed foods arrive in Rome or Milan with the same shelf-appeal as any local product.
Ambassador Ranalli reaffirmed Italy’s openness to this knowledge exchange, noting that Italy’s reputation in trade fair organization offers a “Masterclass” opportunity for Ghanaian firms looking to gain global exposure.
“Both parties recognize the immense potential for increased collaboration in knowledge and technology exchange. Italy has a strong reputation in trade fair organization and industrial design, which represents a valuable opportunity for Ghanaian exporters”
Her Excellency Laura Ranalli, Italian Ambassador
Textile and Garment Frontier
In line with the Minister of Trade’s recent unveiling of new garment hubs across Ghana, the GEPA-Italy dialogue is specifically targeting access to Italy’s sophisticated fashion supply chain.
As Ghanaian artisans at hubs like the Dress Up College of Fashion scale their production, Italy provides the perfect partner for high-end fabric sourcing and design standards.
“We are particularly excited about the prospects in the clothing and textile value chains. Italy is a global fashion capital, and by aligning our local production hubs with Italian market requirements, we are positioning our youth for high-value employment”
Francis Kojo Kwarteng Arthur, CEO of GEPA
The engagement also addressed the practicalities of international commerce, including smoother visa and procedural protocols for trade missions.
With Italian business interest in Ghana reaching a new peak – supported by the €154 million agricultural transformation fund secured late last year – the diplomatic machinery is being greased to allow for a seamless flow of people, ideas, and capital.
“The Italian Embassy and its leadership remain optimistic about the growing interest of Italian businesses in Ghana. The dialogue ended with a shared commitment to continued engagement.
“This is a partnership anchored in mutual respect and a common vision for an export-led economic future that benefits both Ghanaian producers and Italian investors”
GEPA
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