AGRIBUSINESS SESSION

Session Overview:
Agriculture remains the backbone of Ghana’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP, employment, and livelihoods. However, the sector continues to operate largely at the primary production stage, which limits its capacity to stabilize the cedi and strengthen the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

This session will explore how value addition and agro-industrialization can transform Ghana’s agricultural sector into a true industrial powerhouse. By integrating technology, innovative financing, and supportive policy frameworks, Ghana can transition from an exporter of raw commodities to a producer of high-value, globally competitive agro-based products.

Discussions will highlight the pivotal role of agro-processing in reducing import dependency, driving export diversification, creating employment, and achieving currency stability through an improved trade balance. The dialogue will further examine how Ghana can leverage opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to become a regional hub for agro-industrial value chains in West Africa.

Focus Areas:

• Linking agriculture to industrial policy as a foundation for macroeconomic stability.
  • Agro-processing and value chain development as drivers of export growth.
  • Innovative financing models and private-sector investments for agribusiness.
  • Leveraging AfCFTA for cross-border agro-industrial trade and competitiveness.
  • Building resilience against external shocks through food security and value addition.

Expected Outcomes:

• A practical roadmap for integrating agriculture into Ghana’s industrialization strategy.
  • Policy recommendations to accelerate agro-processing and export diversification.
  • Scalable financing models for agribusiness ventures and value chain development.
  • Clear strategies for strengthening the cedi through agricultural value addition and export-led growth.

Speakers:

1. Madam Fatima Ali Mohammed – CEO, African Brand Warrior

• A leading private sector advocate on agribusiness branding, export market competitiveness, and African product positioning.

1. Raymond Dentah – Agribusiness Finance and Market Systems Consultant
   • Provides insights on foreign direct investment (FDI), agro-industrial park development, and market system strengthening for export diversification.
2. Representative – Olam Agri Ghana
   • Brings multinational agribusiness experience in value addition, supply chain optimization, and export market linkages.
3. Alberta N. A. Akosa – Founder & Executive Director, Agrihouse Foundation
   • Champion for agribusiness capacity building, youth and women participation, and market linkages.
4. Madam Joyce Bawah Mogtari – Special Aide, Office of the President
   • to provide high-level perspectives on policy coherence, private-sector engagement, and national economic transformation.
5. Alex Agyei-Amponsah – Director, SME Banking, Fidelity Bank
   • Offers insights on innovative financing solutions for agribusiness development and SME growth across agricultural value chains.

Moderator

Kojo Akoto Boateng – Agribusiness analyst

• Why: Skilled in moderating economic and agricultural dialogues; ensures balance between policy, private sector, and technical discussions while keeping conversations engaging for a diverse audience.