Last Tuesday, Dr. Robbie Bishop-Monroe, Assistant Professor at Loyola University Maryland, paid a courtesy visit to the AmCham Ghana Secretariat to explore Ghana’s business environment and opportunities for U.S. students. The visit aimed to understand AmCham Ghana’s priority areas and highlight both local and foreign business engagement.
In support of AfCFTA initiatives, the U.S. Africa Business Center of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with AmCham Ghana, led a delegation to the AfCFTA Secretariat. The visit aimed to promote intra-African trade in agri-tech, automotive, and digital infrastructure, gain insight into AfCFTA’s progress, and address current challenges.
During the discussions, the Secretariat’s Director of Coordination and Programs Dr. Tsotetsi Makong (PhD) noted that Africa accounts for only 2% of global trade, underscoring the urgent need for AfCFTA to expand intra-African trade and attract foreign direct investment (FDI). He highlighted the importance of increased investment to unlock the continent’s market potential.
The Director also emphasized the growing role of drone technology in healthcare logistics and technology transfer. He confirmed that 49 member states have signed on to implement the agreement, with the exceptions being Benin, Eritrea, Libya, South Sudan, and Somalia. Negotiations are 90% complete, and the focus has now shifted to implementation.
Key achievements include 48 provisional tariff schedules and a 94.43% completion rate in trade and growth talks, with textile and bottling sectors still under negotiation. Agreements have also been reached in investment policies, intellectual property, and digital trade.
Notably, there will be no customs duties on electronic transmissions, and cross-border data transfers will be permitted without restrictions, subject to safeguards currently under discussion with member states.
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In line with the priorities placed on advancing the digital economy and supporting Africa’s innovation ecosystem, AmCham Ghana, in collaboration with the U.S.-Africa Business Center—led by President Kendra Gaither and Vice President Dr. Guevera Yao—paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation of Ghana,Hon. Samuel Nartey George, at the Ministry’s head office in Accra.
The meeting centered on key innovations in the digital and agricultural sectors, with a focus on identifying strategic partnerships and training opportunities across various innovation-driven areas.
Hon. Samuel Nartey George outlined the ministry’s roadmap for implementation, emphasizing best practices designed to ensure that startups and businesses, whether incubated or accelerated, are well-positioned for scaling and innovation that meet global standards.
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In a move to fortify economic partnerships, the American Chamber of Commerce Ghana, in collaboration with a U.S.-Africa Business Center delegation headed by Madam Kendra Gaither, recently engaged with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC). This pivotal meeting sought to deepen economic ties between Ghana and the U.S. and uncover significant investment opportunities, aligning with GIPC’s strategic vision for enhanced collaboration.
Conversations primarily addressed joint ventures, capacity building initiatives, and policy advocacy to stimulate greater investment. Ms. Gaither stressed the mutual benefits of a stronger trade and investment relationship, particularly noting the potential for U.S. businesses in Ghana’s technology, agriculture, and infrastructure sectors.
Mr. Simon Madjie, CEO of the GIPC, reciprocated by detailing the Centre’s commitment to creating an attractive investment environment and championing growth in key areas such as agribusiness, tourism, manufacturing, and energy.
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AmCham Ghana held a meeting with Nolle Design at the secretariat.
The meeting aimed to provide the Nolle design with a comprehensive understanding of the Chamber’s operations and to brief the Chamber on Nolle Design’s interior and architectural solutions across the United States and in Ghana.
Representatives of the American Chamber of Commerce Ghana Secretariat recently met with Nana Fiifi Aggreybuttons and Princessa Aggreybuttons, board directors of the Black Business Bridge, and had fruitful conversations.
The conversation centered on the importance of supporting African Diaspora entrepreneurs, professionals, retirees, and investors in their efforts to establish and grow businesses across the continent. Black Business Bridge’s mission is clear and impactful: to serve as a vital link connecting the global African community with business and investment opportunities in Africa—promoting economic empowerment, collaboration, and sustainable growth
On April 29, a productive meeting was held at the Chamber Secretariat to explore deeper strategic collaboration between the Chamber and the University of Ghana.
Representing Vice-Chancellor Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo’s vision of strengthening partnerships with the private sector, the university delegation emphasized their commitment to fostering mutually beneficial engagements that align with their strategic objectives as a premier institution.