The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), in collaboration with the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GNCCI), recently convened a pivotal B2B meeting aimed at driving growth within Ghana’s agricultural sector.

The event gathered Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), multinational enterprises (MNEs) and key stakeholders from both public and private sectors to explore strategies for enhancing the country’s agricultural value chains in response to recent economic shifts.

In his address, Mr. Edward Ashong-Lartey, Director of Investor Services at GIPC, highlighted the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on value chains, emphasizing the increased demand for value-chain services in the agricultural sector.

He noted that the disruption caused by the pandemic had severely affected businesses, particularly small-to-medium enterprises.

To support these businesses and leverage their potential, Mr. Ashong-Lartey proposed integrating MSMEs into global and regional value chains.

He explained that while companies usually conduct their own value-chain analyses, GIPC can expedite the process by connecting foreign affiliates with local suppliers, thus fostering essential linkages and partnerships.

Expressing optimism about the B2B meeting’s outcomes, Mr. Ashong-Lartey anticipated that the event would facilitate valuable interactions between MSMEs and multinational companies, paving the way for mutually beneficial economic relationships.

He encouraged all enterprises, both local and foreign, to engage with GIPC’s Aftercare team for assistance with post-establishment challenges.

Mrs. Grace Dzeble, Head of Marketing at GNCCI, also addressed attendees, underscoring her organization’s commitment to fostering partnerships within Ghanaian businesses.

She stressed the importance of these collaborations in preparation for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the broader African market.

Mrs. Dzeble highlighted that the B2B meeting was a critical platform for networking and connecting value chains, urging foreign businesses to establish partnerships with local MSMEs to enhance their operations.

The event featured a pitching session where participants showcased their businesses, setting the stage for potential collaborations. This was followed by a networking session designed to facilitate interactions and create valuable connections to advance participants’ business goals.

The B2B meeting marked a significant step in strengthening Ghana’s agricultural sector and enhancing its integration into the global market, reflecting the ongoing efforts by GIPC and GNCCI to drive economic growth through strategic partnerships and value-chain development.