A diaspora trade and investment mission is in Ghana to explore opportunities within the country’s micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and strengthen commercial ties.
The delegation is focused on key sectors, including agriculture, real estate, and the creative industries. The visit was facilitated by the African Foundation for Development (AFFORD-Ghana) and Management for Development West Africa Ltd. (MDF West Africa), and hosted by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC).
According to MDF West Africa, the mission forms part of a broader strategy to deepen diaspora engagement in Africa’s economic development. The organisation noted that with the right support systems in place, diaspora investors can play a transformational role in enhancing Ghana’s MSME sector and accelerating inclusive economic growth. Executive Director of MDF West Africa, Julia Anyanewaa Appiah, said the delegation is in the country to gain a clearer understanding of the investment landscape and the steps required before committing resources.
“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.
The Executive Director of AFFORD, Stella Opoku Owusu, stated that the initiative seeks to create structured pathways that connect the diaspora with African countries, including Ghana, to unlock viable 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.
Speaking on behalf of the CEO of GIPC, the Head of Investment Promotion and Business Development Division, Kwame Kesse-Agyemang, assured the delegation of the Centre’s full support in actualising their investment aspirations in Ghana.
“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.
The Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, Julian Opuni, also highlighted the bank’s wide range of services designed to support the diaspora community, particularly those seeking to invest in Ghana’s economy.
“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.
A team from the National Identification Authority (NIA) briefed the delegation on the processes for foreigners registering for the Ghana Card. The delegation later visited the Diaspora Office at the Flagstaff House, where they were briefed on the 24-hour economy initiative and informed of additional areas of potential investment.