The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) and the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GNCCI) recently held a significant B2B meeting aimed at stimulating growth in Ghana’s agricultural sector.
The event, which attracted Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), as well as Multinational Enterprises (MNEs), brought together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.
The discussions centered on strengthening Ghana’s agricultural sector and its value chains, particularly in response to recent economic shifts.
Mr. Edward Ashong-Lartey, Director of Investor Services at GIPC, highlighted the heightened need for value-chain services due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He emphasized that many investment promotion agencies are now assisting foreign and multinational businesses in adapting to these new conditions.
Ashong-Lartey stressed the importance of integrating MSMEs into global and regional value chains to support their growth.
He noted that while companies often conduct their own value-chain analyses, GIPC can expedite the process by connecting foreign affiliates with local suppliers.
“One of the key roles of GIPC is fostering linkages, from joint-venture partners to identifying service providers,” he said. Ashong-Lartey expressed hope that the B2B meeting would foster valuable interactions between MSMEs and multinational companies, paving the way for mutually beneficial economic partnerships.
Mrs. Grace Dzeble, Head of Marketing at GNCCI, emphasised her organisation’s commitment to building partnerships within Ghanaian businesses to enhance trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“As we prepare for the fully opened African market, it is crucial to build synergies to meet regional demand,” she said.
Dzeble also highlighted GNCCI’s efforts in building the capacity of Ghanaian businesses to compete effectively on the continental stage.
She described the B2B meeting as an essential platform for stakeholders to network and connect subsidiary value chains, urging foreign businesses to form partnerships with local MSMEs to leverage their linkages.
The event concluded with participants pitching their businesses, which facilitated potential collaborations.
A networking session followed, allowing attendees to interact and establish connections to advance their enterprises.
