Strengthening dialogue for a sustainable agro-industry in West Africa: insights from the Ghana Industrial Summit and Exhibition

From 15 to 18 September 2025, COLEAD took part through the FFM+ programme, in the Ghana Industrial Summit and Exhibition (GISE), a major event for industrial transformation in Ghana and across West Africa. The mission aimed to strengthen synergies between public, private and technical partners, while showcasing initiatives implemented through the Fit for Market Plus (FFM+) and AGRINFO programmes. Beyond institutional visibility, this participation marked a key milestone in promoting a sustainable, innovative, and competitive regional agro-industry.

The GISE: a hub for innovation and sustainability

Organised by the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), the GISE has become an essential platform for dialogue on competitiveness, sustainability, and the green transition in the industrial sector. The 2025 edition, held in Accra, brought together public decision-makers, agri-food companies, professional organisations, and development partners. From the European Union Pavilion, COLEAD presented its work in supporting sustainability and SPS compliance within horticultural value chains through the FFM+ programme, as well as AGRINFO resources monitoring changes in EU regulations impacting agrifood value chains.

Building bridges to accelerate transformation

COLEAD also took part in the event “Promotion of Agro-Processing in West Africa”, organised by HPW Fresh & Dry, a key network partner. This meeting highlighted investment and regional collaboration opportunities in agri-food processing, while underlining the importance of an integrated approach combining innovation, sustainability, and public-private partnerships. It also reaffirmed the need to strengthen local capacities and regional value chains to enhance the competitiveness and added value of African agricultural products.

Looking ahead: towards stronger regional cooperation

This mission to Ghana is part of COLEAD’s strategy to support the sustainable agro-industrial transition in West Africa, by connecting businesses, institutions, and technical partners around concrete initiatives. The discussions held in Accra pave the way for new regional collaborations and confirm COLEAD’s role as a facilitator of sustainable and inclusive solutions for agri-food value chains, particularly across sub-Saharan Africa.

This activity is supported by the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme, implemented by COLEAD within the Framework of Development Cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union; and by the AGRINFO programme, implemented by COLEAD and funded by the European Union (EU). This publication receives financial support from the European Union and the OACPS. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of COLEAD and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union or the OACPS.