The Consulate of the Republic of Ghana and the Economic Development Board (EDB) co-hosted the Ghana Day Business Forum themed ‘Ghana, the Preferred Investment Destination in West Africa’ on 26th August 2024 at the seat of the EDB in Ebene. The objective of the business forum was geared towards further consolidating the existing business ties between Mauritius and Ghana and served as an excellent platform to foster engagements between the Mauritian and Ghanaian business communities.
The event saw the participation of more than 75 guests, including several high-profile guests, namely Hon. Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of Ghana, Mr. Yofi Grant, CEO of Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Her. Excellency Ms. Elizabeth Nyantakyi, Consul-General, Consulate General of Ghana, Mr. Hemraj Ramnial CSK, Chairman of EDB, Mr. Ken Poonoosamy, CEO of EDB, Dr. Drishtysingh Ramdenee, Secretary-General of the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) as well representatives of Business Mauritius and business operators from Mauritius and Ghana.
In his address, the CEO of the Economic Development Board, Mr. Ken Poonoosamy reiterated the commitment to collaborate and partner with Ghanaian institutions and organisations and present the Mauritius International Financial Centre as a complementary jurisdiction to mitigate risk and constraints when investing and operating across the African continent.
Additionally, Mauritius is positioning itself as an education hub for Africa and the country has become an attractive destination for Ghanaian students seeking high-quality education and global exposure. He pointed out this is testimony to the strong bonds of cooperation between our two nations.
Mr. Poonoosamy also indicated that global growth is forecast to be 3.2 % in 2024 and 3.3% in 2025 according to IMF. In the context of Africa, real GDP growth for the continent is expected to average 3.8% and 4.2% in 2024 and 2025 respectively – higher than the global average.
He added that the continent is set to remain the second fastest growing region after Asia. Moreover, Mr. Poonoosamy also emphasized that Mauritius as the founding member of the African Union, SADC and COMESA is a leading economic partner amongst Sub-Saharan African countries. He underlined that trade with Africa has increased to reach a total of USD 1.3 billion both in terms of import and export for the year 2023. He stated that expertise of Mauritius, its access to African markets and diplomatic relations with African countries can be complemented by the Ghanaian know-how, networks and capital.
Furthermore, he expressed optimism that the business forum will foster a renewed and heightened impetus in the Mauritius-Ghana relationship. Mr. Poonoosamy concluded that “by embracing this spirit of collaboration and working together, we can achieve greater heights and contribute to the African Renaissance. Through our collective efforts, we will not only strengthen our ties but also drive forward a new chapter of progress and shared prosperity for both Mauritius and Ghana”.
Dr. Drishtysingh Ramdenee, Secretary-General of the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) highlighted that Mauritius has sourced an average of MUR 7.2 million worth of goods annually from Ghana. In 2023, imports from Ghana amounted to MUR 7 million, with wood sawn or chipped lengthwise being the dominant import, followed by fresh fruits such as guavas and mangoes. He stated that these figures highlight the complementary nature of our economies, where each nation has unique strengths that can be harnessed for mutual advantage.
Dr. Ramdenee also underlined that the trade relationship between Mauritius and Ghana is one of immense potential. He stressed that by leveraging the respective strengths of both countries, deepening collaboration, and capitalising on new opportunities, significant potential for economic growth for both nations can be unlocked. He underlined that the MCCI stands poised to be at the forefront of these efforts, actively mobilizing the private sector to explore and seize the myriad opportunities for trade and investment that lie ahead. Through collective efforts, the MCCI is confident that this partnership will not only strengthen our economic ties but also create a sustainable and prosperous future for both Mauritius and Ghana.
Delivering the keynote address, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of the Republic of Ghana, Hon. Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong underscored the importance for African countries to come together and address issues of mutual interest. He expressed optimism about the Mauritius-Ghana relationship and highlighted that the forum will bring Ghanaian and Mauritian businesses together to explore areas of mutual interest, enhance Ghana-Mauritius economic and trade relations; and create more awareness on trade possibilities between Ghana and Mauritius through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He also commended the Republic of Mauritius for being one of the seven countries that led the implementation of the AfCFTA Guided Trade Initiative (GTI).
Hon. Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong also underlined the importance of leveraging tools such as the Bilateral Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation between Ghana and Mauritius to finalize and renegotiate bilateral agreements and treaties to make them relevant in today’s business landscape.
The 2-day event also comprised an exhibition and B2B meetings to foster business engagements and networking.
