Ghana has officially launched the AgriConnect Compact, a new national framework designed to boost food security and significantly reduce food imports. This initiative expects to create over 2.6 million jobs by 2035. The first phase of the Compact, running from 2026 to 2030, aims to attract approximately US$3.5 billion in funding.
This substantial investment will come from the Government of Ghana, international development partners, and the private sector. The AgriConnect Compact focuses on improving the productivity and resilience of Ghana's agricultural sector. It targets specific value chains including cocoa, oil palm, rice, maize, and poultry, while also supporting cashew, coconut, rubber, fisheries, and the forest economy. The Compact aims to improve food and nutrition security for an estimated 2.99 million people during its initial five-year period.
The AgriConnect Compact fits within Ghana's broader economic strategy to reduce reliance on food imports and stimulate domestic production. Ghana's agricultural sector is a significant employer and contributor to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Historically, the country has faced challenges with food importation, such as West Africa's reported US$5 billion rice import bill. This new framework represents a concerted effort to shift towards self-sufficiency and create more value within the country's borders.
Guangzhe Chen, the World Bank Group Vice President for Planet, stated, “Ghana’s AgriConnect Compact is a bold step toward building a more productive, resilient, and jobs-rich food system.” Mr. Chen highlighted the Compact’s role in linking policy reform with investment to strengthen food security and unlock private capital. Eric Opoku, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, emphasised that AgriConnect provides a “clear roadmap to modernise agriculture, support farmers, and build stronger value chains.”
The successful implementation of the AgriConnect Compact will be a key indicator for Ghana's economic future. Investors and decision-makers will closely monitor progress in mobilizing the US$3.5 billion needed for the first phase. The ability to secure these funds and demonstrate tangible improvements in food security and job creation will determine the Compact's long-term success. It will also serve as a benchmark for future large-scale national development initiatives.
The Compact aims to strengthen domestic production by focusing on critical areas such as irrigation, seed systems, and mechanisation. It will also enhance farmer services, agro-processing, and logistics. These efforts are expected to enable more food to be grown, processed, and marketed within Ghana. This coordinated approach seeks to position agriculture as a vital driver for inclusive growth and industrialisation across the nation.
Thomas Nyarko Ampem, the Deputy Minister of Finance, underscored the government's commitment, saying, “This is Ghana’s moment to feed itself, employ its youth, build competitive industries, and create wealth from its own soil.” The Compact signifies a national commitment to transforming Ghana's agri-food system through strategic partnerships and targeted investments. This collaborative effort involving government, development institutions, agribusinesses, and farmers is crucial for achieving the Compact's ambitious goals.