Ghana is stepping up efforts to attract Qatari capital into strategic sectors of its economy following a meeting between the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority (GIPA), Mr. Simon Madjie, and a delegation from the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry on the sidelines of the World Investment Forum 2026 in Doha, Qatar.
The engagement focused on identifying commercially viable investment opportunities, strengthening private sector partnerships and establishing joint ventures in agriculture and agro-processing, tourism, mineral processing, infrastructure and non-interest banking.
Mr. Madjie highlighted Ghana’s investment potential, legal safeguards and business environment, while the Qatari delegation expressed interest in expanding investments across Africa.
“Economic relations between Qatar and Ghana are witnessing significant development, driven by a mutual desire to expand investment cooperation and build strategic partnerships across vital sectors.”
CEO of GIPA, Mr. Simon Madjie
Investment Opportunities Drive Bilateral Engagement
The meeting comes as the ninth World Investment Forum, organised by the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in partnership with the State of Qatar, brings together policymakers, institutional investors, business leaders and investment promotion agencies from October 25 to 27, 2026.
Held under the theme “Investing in the Future,” the forum provides a platform for governments and businesses to identify investment opportunities, discuss financing challenges and develop partnerships that support sustainable economic growth.
The engagement with Qatar Chamber is particularly relevant as the country seeks to attract capital into productive sectors capable of generating employment, expanding exports and strengthening domestic industrial capacity.
Ghana’s investment record underscores the importance of converting such engagements into actual projects.
According to the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre’s 2024 investment report, the country registered 140 projects with an estimated total investment cost of US$651.72 million, including US$617.61 million in foreign direct investment.
The manufacturing sector accounted for 66 registered projects, while services recorded 40. Agriculture registered three projects, highlighting the potential to attract more investment into farming, agricultural processing and related commercial activities.
Ghana registered 140 investment projects in 2024, with an estimated total investment cost of US$651.72 million, including US$617.61 million in foreign direct investment.
Agro-Processing, Minerals and Infrastructure in Focus
Ghana’s agricultural sector supplies raw materials for several industries, but expanding domestic processing capacity remains important for increasing the value retained within the economy.
Investment in modern processing facilities could help businesses transform agricultural commodities into higher-value products for domestic consumption and export markets. Partnerships involving technology, logistics and access to finance could also strengthen supply chains and improve the competitiveness of Ghanaian producers.
Mineral processing offers another potential area of cooperation. Rather than concentrating investment solely on the extraction and export of raw minerals, Ghana can benefit from projects that develop local processing capacity, create skilled employment and establish stronger links between mining and manufacturing.
Infrastructure investment is equally important because reliable transport, logistics and industrial facilities can reduce operating costs and improve access to markets. For prospective Qatari investors, opportunities may exist in commercially viable projects that support industrial development and facilitate the movement of goods.
Tourism and non-interest banking also featured in the discussions. Tourism-related investment could support hospitality, destination development and associated services.
While non-interest banking could broaden financing options for businesses and investors seeking financial products structured around alternative banking principles.
However, the commercial potential of these sectors will depend on the identification of specific projects, appropriate financing arrangements, regulatory compliance and agreements between prospective partners.
Ghana’s investment promotion efforts are focused on attracting capital into productive sectors, including manufacturing, services and agriculture, to support economic development.
Strategic Partnerships and Investment Facilitation
The Ghanaian delegation included Mr. Abdulwahab Ali Wadey, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Ghana in Doha, and Mrs. Abena Amoah, Managing Director of the Ghana Stock Exchange.
The Qatar Chamber was represented by its board member, Mr. Mohamed Bin Ahmed Al Obaidly.
Their participation brought together investment promotion, diplomatic engagement and capital market expertise.
These areas are important in helping prospective investors understand Ghana’s regulatory environment, assess business opportunities and identify potential partners.
Ghana’s engagement with Qatar also reflects the broader need to turn international investment discussions into measurable economic outcomes.
While expressions of interest can establish a foundation for cooperation, the benefits will ultimately depend on whether they lead to funded projects, operational businesses, employment and increased productive capacity.
UNCTAD has identified the World Investment Forum as a platform for connecting investment policy with the capital and enterprises needed to advance sustainable development.
“The WIF is first and foremost a public-private partnership platform for investment.”
CEO of GIPA, Mr. Simon Madjie
Both Ghana and Qatar expressed their commitment to pursuing joint ventures and strategic partnerships following the meeting.
For Ghana, the next step will be to translate the discussions into concrete investment proposals, supported by clear commercial terms, effective investor facilitation and sustained engagement with Qatari businesses.
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