Take Benefit of Prospects in Infrastructure Technology, Agric and Price Chain Startup Creator – GIPC Boss

Introduction

Recent statements from the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) reveal a coordinated push to harness infrastructure technology, agricultural development, and price‑chain startup innovation as cornerstones of Ghana’s economic agenda for 2026. GIPC Chief Executive Officer Simon Madjie outlined a suite of policy measures—including a multi‑billion‑dollar highway rehabilitation programme, the 24‑Hour Economy initiative, and targeted support for cocoa and other cash‑crop expansion—while engaging a Colombian trade delegation in Accra. The discourse underscores how strategic public‑private partnerships can translate large‑scale investment into tangible opportunities for local entrepreneurs, foreign investors, and the broader Ghanaian market.

Key Points

Background

Ghana’s economic landscape has long been characterised by a reliance on primary commodities and a fragmented agricultural sector. Over the past decade, successive governments have pursued infrastructural upgrades, yet progress has often been hampered by financing constraints and implementation bottlene‑bottles. In 2024, the Ghanaian Parliament passed the Investment Promotion Centre Act (Amendment 2024), which expands the GIPC’s mandate to facilitate large‑scale foreign direct investment (FDI) in priority sectors such as transport, agribusiness, and technology‑enabled services.

Simon Madjie, who assumed leadership of GIPC in 2023, brings a background in private‑sector development and public‑policy analysis. His recent public remarks, delivered during a side‑event at the Colombian vice‑president’s state visit, signal a shift from traditional project‑by‑project approaches toward an integrated, ecosystem‑focused strategy. The Colombian delegation’s presence reflects a broader diplomatic trend: African‑Latin American partnerships are increasingly framed around shared development goals, technology transfer, and joint research initiatives.

Analysis

From an analytical perspective, the outlined priorities can be grouped into three inter‑linked pillars:

1. Infrastructure as a Catalyst

The planned $3 billion investment in road rehabilitation is not merely a construction agenda; it is positioned as a catalyst for infrastructure technology adoption. Modernised highways enable faster freight movement, lower logistics costs, and create a fertile environment for last‑mile delivery platforms, warehouse automation, and digital freight marketplaces. For startups operating in the logistics space, the expanded network reduces entry barriers and improves market transparency.

2. Agricultural Value‑Chain Modernisation

Ghana’s annual $3 billion food import bill illustrates a paradox: the country possesses arable land yet still imports staples. Government interventions—such as the Volta Economic Corridor’s irrigation projects and the allocation of 2 million hectares for year‑round farming—seek to close this gap. By strengthening linkages between smallholder farms, processing facilities, and distribution channels, the policy aims to:

• Reduce post‑harvest losses (currently estimated at 30 % for many perishable crops).
• Increase value‑addition through local processing (e.g., cocoa butter, shea butter, fruit concentrates).
• Create employment opportunities across the supply chain, especially for youth and women.

Legal frameworks governing land use, agricultural contracts, and export licensing are being refined to protect both domestic producers and foreign investors, ensuring compliance with the Ghana Investment Act 2020 and the Public Procurement Act 2016.

3. Enabling a 24‑Hour, Export‑Oriented Economy

The 24‑Hour Economy (24H+) policy represents a policy innovation that goes beyond simply extending operational hours for businesses. It incorporates:

• Tax incentives for firms that adopt shift‑based production.
• Streamlined customs procedures for export‑oriented manufacturers.
• Support for technology adoption in sectors such as renewable energy, ICT, and advanced manufacturing.

By framing the initiative as an “accelerated technology programme,” the government signals a desire to attract high‑value‑added investments, particularly from firms that can bring automation, data analytics, and green technologies to Ghanaian factories.

4. International Partnerships and Knowledge Transfer

The engagement with the Colombian trade delegation is emblematic of a wider diplomatic thrust. Colombia’s “Strategy for Africa” emphasises:

• South‑South cooperation focused on technology diffusion.
• Shared experiences in peace‑building and sustainable development.
• Joint ventures in agro‑industrial processing and renewable energy.

Such partnerships can facilitate technology licensing, joint research programmes, and capacity‑building workshops that benefit Ghanaian startups operating in the agrifood and infrastructure domains.

Practical Advice

Entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers can translate the announced priorities into actionable steps by considering the following guidance:

For Local Start‑ups

1. Identify niche opportunities within the road‑construction supply chain. Companies specialising in modular bridge components, eco‑friendly asphalt, or digital project‑management tools can position themselves as sub‑contractors for the highway upgrades.
2. Leverage irrigation‑enabled zones. Start‑ups that develop low‑cost solar‑powered water pumps or sensor‑based irrigation controllers can partner with large‑scale farms emerging from the Volta Corridor.
3. Focus on value‑addition. Processing enterprises that convert raw cocoa, shea nuts, or fruits into export‑ready products can benefit from incentives under the 24H+ policy and from preferential market access agreements being negotiated with Colombia and other partners.
4. Adopt data‑driven logistics. Platforms that provide real‑time tracking, demand forecasting, and route optimisation can capture a share of the expanded freight market.

For Foreign Investors

1. Conduct due‑diligence on regulatory compliance. Investors must align with Ghana’s Investment Promotion Centre Act, ensuring that projects meet local content requirements and obtain necessary permits from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
2. Explore joint‑venture structures. Partnering with Ghanaian firms that possess indigenous knowledge of agricultural practices can simplify land acquisition and community engagement.
3. Capitalise on tax incentives. The 24H+ policy offers accelerated depreciation and reduced corporate tax rates for companies that commit to export‑oriented production and technology transfer.
4. Utilise regional financing mechanisms. The African Development Bank and the Ghana Infrastructure Fund provide concessional loans for projects that align with the nation’s infrastructure master plan.

For Policy Makers

1. Maintain transparent procurement processes. All infrastructure contracts should be published on the Ghana Public Procurement Authority portal to mitigate corruption risks.
2. Strengthen land‑rights frameworks. Clear, enforceable land‑use agreements are essential to encourage long‑term investments in the Volta Corridor and cocoa expansion zones.
3. Facilitate skills development. Vocational training programmes focused on modern construction techniques, agribusiness management, and ICT can ensure that the local workforce can operate new technologies effectively.

FAQ

Conclusion

The convergence of massive infrastructure spending, targeted agricultural revitalisation, and a forward‑looking 24‑Hour Economy framework presents a compelling narrative for stakeholders across Ghana’s economic spectrum. By aligning private‑sector innovation with public‑policy incentives, the nation is positioning itself to attract both domestic entrepreneurship and international investment. The engagement with Colombia further amplifies these prospects by opening channels for technology transfer and collaborative research. For those who can navigate the regulatory environment, seize the identified niche opportunities, and contribute to the country’s development objectives, the coming years promise significant returns and a measurable impact on Ghana’s socio‑economic landscape.