John Dramani Mahama is the President of Ghana
President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday positioned Ghana as a strategic entry point to Africa’s $3.4 trillion single market.
He urged investors at the 8th Africa–Singapore Business Forum to seize opportunities in the continent’s fast-growing economies.
Speaking at the opening of the three-day event during his state visit to Singapore, Mahama described Africa as “investable” and called for deeper South–South cooperation amid rising global fragmentation.
“Africa is investable, and Ghana is your reliable gateway to the continent,” Mahama said.
About 700 delegates expected at Africa Singapore Business Forum – Jean Ng
He highlighted Africa and Asia as the world’s youngest and fastest-urbanising regions, with complementary strengths in resources, markets and innovation.
Mahama urged both regions to champion open markets and practical partnerships that drive job creation, technology transfer and shared prosperity.
Warning of the erosion of multilateralism, Mahama cited rising tariffs and fragile supply chains as signs of a shifting global order.
He argued that tighter financial conditions demand new alliances, especially among emerging economies.
Despite global headwinds, Mahama said Africa’s fundamentals remain strong, a digitally connected population of 1.4 billion, leadership in mobile money and fintech, and the AfCFTA’s promise of continent-wide integration.
Trade between Africa and Singapore surged nearly 50% from 2020 to 2024, reaching $14 billion, with West Africa accounting for more than half.
Explore Asian markets amid growing trade ties – Singapore to Ghanaian businesses
Ghana–Singapore trade exceeded $215 million in 2024 and 69 Singaporean firms have invested over $2 billion in Ghana.
Mahama pointed to Accra’s role as host of the AfCFTA Secretariat and Ghana’s access to over 400 million consumers via ECOWAS as key advantages.
He also unveiled his 24-hour economy strategy, aimed at boosting competitiveness through round-the-clock operations in agriculture, manufacturing, logistics and tourism.
Mahama noted signs of economic recovery, including easing inflation, a stabilised cedi and improved ratings outlooks.
He praised Singapore’s expertise in finance, logistics and technology as vital to unlocking Africa’s project pipeline.
As AU Champion on Financial Institutions, Mahama also called for reforms to the global financial system, citing Africa’s $1.3 trillion annual financing gap and urgent infrastructure and climate investment needs.
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