The Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has called for more strategic Chinese investments under the Belt and Road Initiative during the China-Africa CEO Dialogue held on Friday, June 13, 2025, in Changsha, Hunan Province.
The CEO Dialogue was one of the major highlight events of the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE), which took place from June 12 to 15.
The Dialogue attracted more than 500 high-level participants, including government officials, CEOs of state agencies and multinational companies, representatives from international organizations, African chambers of commerce, business associations and enterprises, financial institutions, and the China-Africa Development Fund (CADFund), among others.
The platform provided an opportunity for African and Chinese business communities to deepen engagement, with a focus on green energy and financial innovation as drivers of economic growth.
In her address, the Minister highlighted Ghana’s unique value proposition, anchored on a peaceful business environment, adherence to the rule of law, and its strategic location at the centre of the world—positioning the country as a gateway to the global market.
She noted that Ghana continues to attract significant Chinese private sector players, mentioning well-known names such as Zonda Sinotruk, Sunda, Keda, Sentuo, Sunon Asogli, and Huawei, which have become household names. The Minister therefore urged other potential Chinese investors to take advantage of the government’s flagship 24-hour economy policy.
Additionally, she made a strong case for Africa, emphasising that the continent is expected to be the second-fastest-growing economy in the world this year, with 40 countries—including Ghana—projected to achieve higher growth rates compared to 2023.
The Minister underscored that Africa stands at a pivotal moment of transformation, innovation, and industrial development.
According to her, the true potential of Africa lies not only in its natural resources but in its capacity to process, refine, and innovate—turning raw commodities into high-value products that generate jobs and drive sustainable economic growth.
“Let us move beyond traditional trade relationships and embrace transformational partnerships—ones that promote technology exchange, sustainable industrial practices, and globally competitive African enterprises,” she stated.
She also encouraged Chinese investors to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which offers an unprecedented opportunity to access a market of 1.3 billion people with a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion and a rapidly growing middle class.
The just-ended 4th CAETE was expected to conclude 128 cooperation projects with a total value exceeding $7 billion through signed agreements and matchmaking sessions. These projects span sectors including manufacturing, energy, transportation, logistics, healthcare, and information services.
Other high-level speakers at the plenary session included Cao Zhiqiang, Vice Governor of the People’s Government of Hunan Province; Joseph Olasunkanmi, Director General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership; Miss Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Assistant Administrator and Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa at UNDP; and Chief Diana Chen, Chair of Choice International Group.
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