The China-Africa CEO Dialogue, held alongside the 4th China-Africa Economic & Trade Expo (CAETE) in Changsha, provided a significant platform for promoting trade and investment partnerships between China and Africa. Mrs. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Ghana’s Minister for Trade, Agribusiness & Industry, delivered a compelling address, urging Chinese investors to capitalize on the immense opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). She emphasized that AfCFTA unlocks access to a vast market of 1.3 billion people with a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion, signifying a transformative era for African economies. The Minister’s message highlighted Africa’s transition from a resource-dependent continent to one focused on innovation, industrial growth, and value addition.
Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare’s call for transformational partnerships underscored the need for a shift from traditional trade models to collaborative ventures that foster technology transfer, sustainable industrial practices, and the development of globally competitive African enterprises. She emphasized that the true potential of Africa lies not merely in its raw materials, but in its capacity to process, refine, and innovate, transforming these resources into high-value products. This approach, she argued, would generate employment opportunities and fuel sustainable economic growth, benefiting both African nations and their international partners.
Focusing on Ghana’s investment landscape, Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare highlighted the country’s attractive business environment, characterized by peace, adherence to the rule of law, and a strategic geographical location. She presented Ghana as an ideal hub for serving the global market, emphasizing its accessibility and stability. The Minister pointed to the success of several Chinese companies already operating in Ghana, including Zonda Sinotruk, Sunda, Keda, Sentuo, Sunon Asogli, and Huawei, as evidence of the country’s welcoming environment for foreign investment. These established businesses, she noted, have become household names, demonstrating the potential for successful Chinese investment in Ghana.
To further encourage Chinese investment, Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare promoted Ghana’s flagship 24-hour economy policy, an initiative designed to facilitate continuous business operations and maximize productivity. This policy, she explained, would provide further incentives for investors seeking a dynamic and efficient business environment. She urged potential Chinese investors to explore the diverse opportunities offered by Ghana, leveraging the country’s stable political and economic climate to establish thriving businesses and contribute to mutual economic growth.
The China-Africa CEO Dialogue served as a crucial forum for fostering stronger economic ties between China and Africa. Bringing together over 500 high-level participants, including government officials, CEOs of multinational companies and government agencies, representatives from international organizations, and members of the Africa Chamber of Commerce and Business Associations, the dialogue facilitated networking and the exchange of ideas. The presence of financial institutions and representatives from the China Africa Development Fund (CADFund) further highlighted the focus on fostering investment and development partnerships.
The event underscored the importance of the Belt and Road Initiative in strengthening China-Africa cooperation, providing a framework for strategic investments and infrastructure development. Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare’s address, with its focus on AfCFTA’s transformative potential and Ghana’s conducive investment environment, served as a compelling invitation to Chinese investors to participate in Africa’s burgeoning economic growth. The dialogue emphasized the potential for mutually beneficial partnerships that drive sustainable development and create shared prosperity for both China and African nations.
