NDTO News Article

January 2014 Ghana Trade Mission

NDTO and Praxis Strategy Group are leading a multi-sector trade mission to Ghana, January 16-23, 2014, to assist North Dakota companies in finding qualified buyers and distributors in the Ghanaian market.  Ghana is currently the seventh fastest-growing economy in the world.  Don’t miss this opportunity to market your products in the Gateway to West Africa.

Do you believe your product has potential in Ghana, or would you like to expand your presence in the market?  Let NDTO know of your interest no later than Thursday, October 17.

NDTO has identified opportunities for the following ND industries:

  • Healthy Food Ingredients including:
    • Soybeans
    • Oils
    • Flaxseed
    • Pulse Crops
    • Flour for baking
    • Pasta
    • Agricultural Machinery and Services
    • Construction Equipment & Infrastructure Development
    • Mining Equipment
    • Energy Technologies
    • Infrastructure Development
    • Agricultural Education

Why Ghana?

Ghana, located in West Africa, is one of the world’s fastest growing economies. In 2012, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reported the economy grew 14.4% in 2011 and is expected to grow 8.2% in 2012.  Driving this growth is the continued prosperity of the gold mining industry (Africa’s 2nd largest), high gold prices, and cocoa export.

Ghana is endowed with abundant natural wealth, including vast agricultural, mining and human resources. Agriculture remains a key sector of the economy; the agrarian sector employs 60 percent of the Ghanaian workforce and makes up almost 44 percent of the country’s GDP.  About 85 percent of all farms in Ghana are less than 2 hectares (less than 5 acres).  To read more about Ghanaian agriculture, click here:  http://www.fao.org/ag/agp/AGPC/doc/Counprof/ghana/Ghana.htm

In the West African region, Ghana is seen as a safe, politically stable business environment with a predictable, regulated business environment and a respect for the rule of law. This stability prompts many companies to use Ghana as a service hub for all of West Africa.

Ghana is also a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a regional economic organization comprising a thriving market of 250 million people in West Africa. Formed in 1975, ECOWAS allows for the free movement of goods and people across the borders of its 16 member nations. Since its creation, implementation of the ECOWAS protocol on trade has greatly enhanced intra-regional trade as well as Ghana’s status as an economic force in the sub-region.

2014 Ghana Trade Mission Snapshot

Where?

Accra and surrounding areas

When?

January 16-23, 2014

Why Participate?

During the mission, participants will receive:

  • Introductions to leading Ghanaian importers;
  • Meetings with local and regional government officials;
  • Briefings on Ghanaian market and business climate;
  • Introductions to potential agents, distributors, facility administrators, and purchasing managers through group events;
  • Site visits if applicable;
  • In-country logistical assistance; and
  • Pre-arranged, customized meetings with companies whose needs or capabilities align with participants’ export objectives

Participating in a trade mission provides companies with an opportunity to travel overseas to meet with prospective international business partners face-to-face, greatly enhancing the potential for business success. Trade mission services include: business matchmaking, customized market research, in-country business briefings, networking opportunities, in-country support and follow-up assistance.

To learn more about this mission or to assess your company’s potential in the Ghanaian market, contact Brittany Posey at brittany@ndto.com or (701) 231-1155