The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) urged Ethiopian businesses to use Ghana as a strategic entry point into the West African market. This push signals Ghana's intensified efforts to attract intra-African investment and deepen commercial ties under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.
Afua Tekyi-Mills, Head of Marketing and Communications at GIPC, highlighted Ghana’s offer to investors. She indicated access not only to its domestic market but also to the wider ECOWAS and AfCFTA markets. This statement came during a panel discussion at the Ghana Business and Cultural Expo in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Ghana’s drive to attract Ethiopian investment aligns with its broader economic strategy. The nation positions itself as a commercial bridge into West Africa. As host of the AfCFTA Secretariat, Ghana aims to be a platform for companies seeking to access regional and continental markets. This strategy supports the government's agenda for job creation and economic growth through increased foreign direct investment.
Ms. Tekyi-Mills outlined practical steps for Ethiopian companies to set up in Ghana. Investors should first define their business objectives and preferred entry model, such as trading or manufacturing. She advised early engagement with GIPC for investment information and sector guidance. Prospective investors must also complete formal business registration with the Office of the Registrar of Companies. Subsequently, registration with GIPC is necessary for enterprises with foreign participation. Sector-specific licenses and approvals may also be required.
Ghana’s investment framework offers various incentives and legal protections to support long-term business growth. Eligible agro-processing businesses can benefit from concessionary corporate income tax rates for their first five years. Manufacturing firms operating outside Accra and Tema also receive reduced tax rates. Strategic investments totaling GHS 50 million and above may qualify for customised incentives under Ghana’s Exemptions Act. The regime also provides protections against expropriation, access to dispute resolution, and guarantees for profit repatriation. These safeguards are crucial for investors assessing long-term market entry.
GIPC further supports investors with business facilitation and advisory services. These include technology transfer registration, aftercare support, and investor grievance mechanisms. Ms. Tekyi-Mills identified agro-processing, textiles, garments, logistics, and specialty food trade as immediate areas for collaboration. Ghana could supply cocoa products and shea butter. Ethiopia could contribute strengths in coffee, spices, and garment manufacturing expertise. This collaboration aims to build a stronger West Africa and East Africa business corridor.
For Ethiopian firms, Ghana offers a launchpad into the ECOWAS region and wider AfCFTA trading space. This is particularly relevant as African businesses increasingly explore regional value chains. For Ghana, stronger commercial ties with Ethiopia could diversify intra-African trade links. Ethiopia brings industrial park experience and aviation connectivity. Ghana offers political stability, port access, and AfCFTA positioning. Future success depends on turning diplomatic efforts into actual investment flows. Investors will scrutinize land access, tax predictability, and logistics costs.