The Acting South African (SA) High Commissioner to Ghana, Thando Dalamba, has stressed the need to strengthen the trade relations between Ghana and South Africa for the mutual benefit of the two countries to create jobs for the youth.
He said the two countries shared common development aspirations and boosting trading would help and create jobs for the youth of both countries.
Mr Dalamba stated this at the Global South African Business Luncheon in Accra on Thursday, organised by Brand South Africa, the South African High Commission in Ghana and the Ghana South Africa Business Chamber, to promote trade between Ghana and South Africa.
Mr Dalamba said he was excited about the growing collaboration between the two nations, noting that South Africa’s engagements in Ghana continued to attract attention from other missions on the continent.
He said the increasing interest shown in programmes of the South African embassy in Accra was proof that “Brand SA is doing a good job”.
He applauded Ghanaians and South Africans for consistently responding to invitations to bilateral events, citing the recent visit of South Africa’s Minister of Tourism where expected attendance was exceeded.
The Acting High Commissioner said the diaspora business community played a crucial role in shaping South Africa’s economic footprint.
He said South Africa and Ghana had deepened cooperation through 24 Memoranda of Understanding over the past three decades.
According to him, trade between the two countries had risen to $1 billion in 2024, driven largely by private sector participation and diaspora-led ventures.
He quoted data from the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) figures indicating that Ghana attracted $1.2 billion in Foreign Direct Investment across 161 projects, many linked to South African companies operating in key growth sectors such as mining.
The Acting High Commissioner mentioned ongoing efforts with Ghanaian authorities to promote Ghana as a preferred destination for South African tourists.
Mr Dalamba reiterated the two countries’ commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), noting that South Africa’s first shipment to Ghana under the Guided Trade Initiative marked progress toward stronger continental value chains.
On sectoral priorities, he identified mining, agriculture, hospitality, retail and property development as key areas for enhanced cooperation, although he acknowledged the existence of some “hiccups” that could be resolved through continued dialogue.
The General Manager for Global Markets at Brand South Africa, Jimmy Ranamane, emphasised that human connection remained the foundation of meaningful trade partnerships.
He said South Africa was promoting a movement that fostered collaboration in trade, arts and culture, while also taking the G20 message of shared prosperity and equality across the continent.
The Chief Executive Officer of the GIPC, Simon Madjie, in remarks made on his behalf, underscored Ghana’s renewed focus on diaspora engagement.
He said Ghana was now capturing data on diaspora investment and mapping investment opportunities across the country to encourage targeted partnerships.
He commended Brand South Africa for its work and expressed optimism about future peer-learning initiatives between the two nations.