A delegation from Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT), the official trade and investment promotion agency for the Government of Flanders, Kingdom of Belgium, paid a courtesy call on Ghana’s Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry on Thursday, November 13, 2025, to explore new trade and investment opportunities.
The FIT delegation, led by Mr. Luc Strybol, Vice President for the Americas and Africa, expressed a strong desire to deepen economic cooperation, viewing Ghana as a stable, reliable, and strategically located hub for West African trade due to its political stability, rule of law, and vibrant private sector. Mr. Strybol noted that Flanders, the economically vibrant northern region of Belgium, is eager to move beyond simple import-export to “real business partnerships and investments” in key Ghanaian sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, energy, textiles, and infrastructure.
Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Sampson Ahi welcomed the delegation, noting the current bilateral trade stands at about US$16 million, with Ghana primarily exporting cocoa and gold.
Ahi outlined the government’s flagship 24-hour economy agenda, which is designed to accelerate industrialisation, create jobs, and boost exports. He specifically called for Belgian partnerships to promote commercial plantation farming, textile and garment production, and value addition in agriculture to address raw material shortages for local industries.
Mr. Ahi highlighted Ghana’s attractive investment incentives, including tax exemptions on imported machinery and tax holidays for new companies, and assured the delegation of government support and the safety of the legal system.
Mr. Strybol, optimistic about Ghana’s business climate, disclosed plans to organize a Ghana-focused investment conference in Antwerp in early 2026, followed by a trade mission later that year to connect Belgian investors with credible local partners. Discussions also covered potential collaboration in energy, water infrastructure, railway rehabilitation, and automotive assembly. Both sides agreed to maintain continuous engagement to advance their trade and investment relations.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
