The Ghana-China Business Summit, scheduled for June 23-28, 2025, promises to be a landmark event in the evolving relationship between the two nations. Under the overarching theme of “Synergising Opportunities: Strengthening the Ghana-China Business Relationship and Fostering a 24-Hour Economy,” the summit will delve into a range of crucial sectors, aiming to deepen bilateral cooperation and unlock mutual benefits. High-profile speakers from both countries will address key topics, including education, investment, state-owned enterprise reform, and the strategic vision for Ghana’s burgeoning 24-hour economy. The summit represents a concerted effort to leverage the strengths of both nations to achieve sustainable economic transformation and human capital development.
Education will take center stage at the summit, with Ghana’s Minister of Education, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, slated to deliver a keynote address on “Empowering Minds: Fostering Ghana-China Educational Partnerships for Human Capital Development.” His presentation will highlight the potential for collaboration in tertiary education, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), the integration of educational technology, and expanded scholarship and capacity-building programs for Ghanaian students in China. The focus on education underscores the importance of human capital development as a cornerstone of sustainable economic growth and the recognition of China’s expertise in this domain. This collaboration aims to equip Ghana’s workforce with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy.
Beyond education, the summit will explore the broader landscape of economic cooperation between Ghana and China. Professor Michael Kpessa-Whyte, Acting Director-General of the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), will address the crucial role of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in Ghana’s transition to a 24-hour economy. This discussion will likely encompass strategies for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of SOEs, their contribution to national development, and the potential for partnerships with Chinese counterparts. The participation of over 70 top executives from leading Chinese SOEs signifies the significant investment interest from China and the potential for collaborative projects that can drive economic growth in Ghana.
The summit is strategically positioned to facilitate increased investment and business alliances between the two countries. Mr. Dennis Anderson, CEO of Perfect World Company Limited and Summit Coordinator, emphasized the platform’s significance in enabling China to capitalize on Ghana’s strategic location as a gateway to the West African market. This highlights the potential for mutually beneficial economic partnerships, where Chinese investment can contribute to Ghana’s infrastructure development, industrial growth, and job creation, while simultaneously providing Chinese businesses with access to a thriving regional market. The summit will also provide an opportunity for Ghanaian entrepreneurs to connect with Chinese investors and explore potential collaborations.
The government of Ghana’s “BIG PUSH” agenda, aimed at accelerating the transition to a 24-hour economy, will be a central theme of the summit. This initiative reflects Ghana’s ambition to transform its economic landscape and foster sustainable growth through enhanced productivity, increased trade, and job creation. The summit provides a platform for government officials to articulate the specifics of the “BIG PUSH” agenda to a high-level audience of Chinese investors and business leaders, showcasing the opportunities available in Ghana and encouraging investment in key sectors. Discussions will likely focus on the necessary infrastructure development, regulatory reforms, and policy frameworks required to support the 24-hour economy vision.
The Ghana-China Business Summit signals a strengthening of bilateral relations, with education, investment, and innovation serving as key pillars of the partnership. The presence of high-ranking officials, including President John Dramani Mahama, Chinese Ambassador H.E. Tong-Defa, Mr. Chen Xiaowei, Group Chairman of Sino-Africa Group, and Mr. Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff to the President, underscores the importance both countries attach to this event. The summit is poised to be a catalyst for enhanced cooperation, paving the way for mutually beneficial projects and initiatives that will contribute to the economic growth and development of both Ghana and China. The outcomes of the summit are anticipated to shape the future trajectory of the Ghana-China relationship and contribute to the realization of Ghana’s vision for a dynamic and prosperous 24-hour economy.
