A trade and investment delegation from the diaspora has arrived in Ghana to identify prospects within the country’s micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and to strengthen business partnerships.
The group is concentrating on priority industries such as agriculture, real estate, and the creative economy. The mission was coordinated by the African Foundation for Development (AFFORD-Ghana) and Management for Development West Africa Ltd. (MDF West Africa), with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) serving as host.
MDF West Africa explained that the initiative is part of a wider plan to expand diaspora involvement in Africa’s economic growth. The organisation stressed that with the right structures in place, diaspora investors can play a pivotal role in boosting Ghana’s MSME sector and driving inclusive development. Julia Anyanewaa Appiah, Executive Director of MDF West Africa, said the team is in Ghana to gain deeper insights into the investment climate and the necessary steps before committing capital.
“We hosted this delegation to help them prepare to invest in local businesses and understand the opportunities available to them as members of the diaspora. The aim is to connect them with the relevant authorities to provide first-hand information on what is required and how to proceed. We have visited GIPC and worked with AFFORD on developing business documentation, and at GIPC, they were taken through the exact processes involved,” she explained.
Stella Opoku Owusu, Executive Director of AFFORD, emphasised that the programme is designed to establish structured channels linking the diaspora with African nations, including Ghana, to unlock sustainable investment opportunities.
“For us, this trade mission is a pathway—an opportunity for diaspora investors to explore prospects, build collaborations, engage with governments and SMEs, and establish structured systems for investment engagement, as these structures are currently limited,” she noted.
Representing the CEO of GIPC, Kwame Kesse-Agyemang, Head of Investment Promotion and Business Development Division, pledged the Centre’s full backing to ensure the delegation’s investment ambitions are realised.
“At GIPC, we are committed to ensuring that your decisions to invest in Ghana are fully supported through to the actual process of doing business in the country,” he said.
Julian Opuni, Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, highlighted the bank’s tailored services for the diaspora community, particularly those interested in investing in Ghana.
“We are exploring potential mortgage solutions in collaboration with institutions abroad. We are also developing savings products, investment options, and insurance packages to support diaspora families both in Ghana and overseas, as well as wealth management services for investors abroad,” he stated.
Additionally, officials from the National Identification Authority (NIA) briefed the delegation on procedures for foreigners registering for the Ghana Card. The team later visited the Diaspora Office at the Flagstaff House, where they were updated on the 24-hour economy initiative and informed of further areas for potential investment.
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