Simon Madjie maps district investment opportunities for local firms

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority (GIPA), Simon Madjie, has announced a nationwide mapping initiative to identify and promote investment opportunities within Ghana's various districts. This strategic effort is being executed through regional investment roadshows designed to bridge the information gap for domestic firms. By highlighting specific projects and resources at the local level, GIPA aims to empower Ghanaian businesses to discover new growth avenues and expand their operations beyond traditional commercial hubs.

Madjie cautioned local enterprises against an over-reliance on government contracts, which he argued can stifle organic development and long-term stability. He emphasized that depending primarily on state procurement often leads to the creation of politically-driven entities rather than robust, commercially sound businesses. To build sustainable "business giants," the CEO urged firms to focus on establishing strong value chains and an independent market presence. He cited the beverage manufacturer Kasapreko as a prime example of a domestic company that has achieved significant success by building its own value chain and expanding its market reach independently.

The investment push is particularly focused on high-potential sectors such as textiles, agribusiness, and component manufacturing. GIPA is working to enhance Ghana's appeal by emphasizing policy reforms and credible leadership as the primary drivers for investment, moving beyond the country's traditional reputation for political stability. These sector-specific policies are intended to position Ghana as a prime location for manufacturing and processing, encouraging local investors to lead the way in industrializing critical areas of the economy.

In addition to domestic mapping, GIPA is leveraging its updated legal framework to support Ghanaian firms in their efforts to invest abroad. With the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Madjie warned that local businesses must be proactive to avoid being crowded out by increasing regional competition. The authority is now providing support for successful domestic companies to venture into foreign markets, ensuring they can compete effectively on a continental scale. This dual strategy of unlocking district-level opportunities while facilitating international expansion forms the core of GIPA’s plan to foster a more resilient and globally competitive private sector.