The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) and the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GNCCI) played a pivotal role in organizing and hosting a business-to-business (B2B) meeting.
This event was designed to foster growth in Ghana’s agricultural sector by bringing together key players and stakeholders.
The event, which took place on August 5, 2024, brought together a diverse range of participants. These included Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) such as local farmers and agribusinesses, multinational enterprises (MNEs) like global food distributors, and stakeholders from both public and private sectors.
The meeting focused on strengthening the agricultural value chains in response to significant economic shifts and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
These disruptions included supply chain interruptions, market volatility, and changes in consumer behaviour, all of which have profoundly impacted the agricultural sector.
Edward Ashong-Lartey, Director of Investor Services at GIPC, highlighted the increased need for value-chain services due to the pandemic’s impact on global and local businesses.
“Investment promotion agencies are stepping in to help businesses adapt to these new circumstances,” Ashong-Lartey said.
He emphasized that integrating MSMEs into global and regional value chains could significantly support and harness their potential.
GIPC aims to facilitate these linkages by matching foreign affiliates with local suppliers and fostering joint ventures.
Grace Dzeble, Head of Marketing at GNCCI, stressed the importance of building local partnerships to effectively trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
She noted, “We need to strengthen our regional synergies to prepare businesses for the broader African market.”
The B2B meeting provided a promising platform for businesses to pitch their operations and explore potential collaborations, offering a glimpse of the bright future for Ghana’s agricultural sector.
The event concluded with a networking session, which allowed participants to forge connections and discuss opportunities to advance their companies within the agricultural sector.
The GIPC and GNCCI anticipate that these interactions, facilitated by the B2B meeting, will foster mutually beneficial economic ties and support the growth of Ghana’s agricultural industry, making the event a valuable investment of your time and participation.