President Mahama pitches Ghana as gateway for Russian businesses to access African markets
President John Dramani Mahama has called on Russian businesses to invest in Ghana, highlighting the country’s strategic location and its position as host of the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as key advantages for accessing markets across the continent.
Addressing the 3rd Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow, President Mahama said Ghana offered significant opportunities for Russian investors seeking to expand their operations in Africa through partnerships with local businesses.
He identified agriculture, agro-processing, fertilizer production, pharmaceuticals, energy, transport infrastructure and the digital economy as sectors in which Ghana and Russia could deepen economic cooperation.
“In accordance with the agreements, rules, and implementation arrangements, we invite Russian businesses to work with Ghanaian counterparts in agro-processing, fertilizer production, agricultural machinery, pharmaceuticals, energy, transport infrastructure, and the digital economy,” he said.
President Mahama noted that Ghana’s natural resources, business environment and strategic location along the Gulf of Guinea provided a strong foundation for investment, particularly in sectors capable of creating jobs and adding value to locally produced goods.
He also pointed to Ghana’s role as host of the AfCFTA Secretariat, describing the country as a suitable base for Russian companies seeking opportunities in the wider African market.
“And as host of the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area, Ghana is also well placed to support businesses seeking opportunities across the continent,” President Mahama stated.
The President further called for stronger trade relations between Russia and Africa, arguing that existing commercial ties could be expanded through efforts to address barriers affecting businesses and improve access to markets on both sides.
“Our task is to remove the practical barriers that prevent businesses from translating goodwill into lasting commercial relationships,” he said, advocating better market information, predictable standards, improved logistics and closer cooperation between business communities.
President Mahama also urged both sides to explore appropriate mechanisms for facilitating legitimate trade settlements, including the use of local currencies and digital payment systems. He said central banks, commercial banks and financial technology companies had important roles to play in making cross-border transactions more efficient.
He stressed that investment partnerships should go beyond large-scale commercial ventures to strengthen local expertise and create opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises.
President Mahama urged participants to turn the discussions into concrete outcomes, saying the success of Russia–Africa relations should ultimately be measured by improvements in the lives of their people.
“The most lasting expression of our friendship will be the progress our people can see in their communities and their lives,” he said.
