A delegation of 32 Dutch agribusiness leaders of 19 Dutch companies is expected to embark on a high-impact trade mission to boost Dutch-Ghanaian collaboration in Ghana’s horticultural industry.
The mission will be led by the Dutch vice Minister of Agriculture, H.E. Mr. Marten van den Berg and will take place from Monday May 26 until Wednesday May 28, 2025.
Hosted by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana, together with the Netherlands-Africa Business Council (NABC), the mission brings together companies, government bodies and knowledge institutions of both countries.
Through this mission, they can tap into business opportunities and establish sustainable trade by building partnerships in the horticultural value chain.
The visit is a key milestone in the Netherlands’ dedication to integrating development cooperation with private sector development in Ghana.
Through business matchmaking meetings, site visits and policy interactions, the mission aims to:
- Stimulate and generate interest among Dutch businesses to venture into Ghana’s growing horticulture sector;
- Showcase the impact of development cooperation in creating a better business environment; and,
- Gather insights into the gaps companies encounter when considering investing in Ghana and utilising such findings to guide Dutch agricultural policy in Ghana.
High-Level Engagements and Practical Collaboration
Some of the highlights of the mission include: a business reception, which will bring together Ghanaian government officials and local horticulture and trade stakeholders, including embassy partners; visits to innovative horticultural enterprises in the Volta Region, such as Iribov and Fruitmaster Greenhouse; a Farmer Field Day organised by Ghanaian smallholder farmers, the Horticultural Business Platform and Dutch Farmer companies with presence in Ghana.
All these activities will present the impact of Dutch knowledge in areas of seed development, sustainable greenhouse production, cold storage logistics, agri-financing and training to students on farming as a business.
A Business-to-Business matchmaking session will be organised where a total of 40 Ghanaian institutions and firms are to be connected to members of the Dutch trade delegation.
A revised Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Agricultural Working Group between H.E. Eric Opoku, Minister of Food and Agriculture and the Vice Minister H.E. Marten van den Berg of the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature will be signed. This signing marks a renewed commitment to our shared goals and the continued collaboration that drives progress.
This first Agricultural Working Group meeting of the year also marks the official inauguration of the Technical Working Groups focused on three key areas: seeds, agribusiness and cocoa.
A Catalyst for Investment and Innovation
This mission is not only about trade—it’s about creating enduring relationships. The Netherlands believes that supporting a stable, inclusive business climate through development cooperation equates to improved investment outcomes. Getting it directly from Dutch and Ghanaian stakeholders is how we can formulate and implement better-aligned policies.
Through this trade mission, Dutch companies will be encouraged to tap into Ghana’s vibrant agriculture and contributing to innovation, employment, and food security.
The action also solidifies the Netherlands as a reliable, long-term ally of Ghana’s agricultural transformation.
The Vice Minister for Agriculture, Marten van den Berg, underlined this during the reception by saying: ‘Dutch farmers have set high standards for productivity, efficiency, and innovation, building an agrifood industry that not only drives economic growth but also enhances food security. Ghana, too, recognises the value of innovation in agriculture. Therefore, collaboration is essential.’
As His Excellency, Jeroen Verheul, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Ghana, stated in his opening remarks at the same event: ‘This trade mission—comprising 19 Dutch companies, reflects the Netherlands shared ambition to deepen commercial ties and explore new opportunities for joint value creation.
“The Netherlands believes in partnerships that are grounded in local realities, aligned with national priorities, and driven by mutual benefit.
“In that spirit, we see Ghana not only as a promising investment destination, but as a strategic partner in advancing inclusive and sustainable development.’
