Strengthening Economic Ties Between Ghana and Burkina Faso
Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Sampson Ahi, has emphasized the importance of enhancing economic relations between Ghana and Burkina Faso. This call to action was made during a bilateral meeting with the Burkina Faso Minister for Industry, Trade and Craft, Donatien Nagalo, in Ouagadougou on Friday, October 10, 2025.
The meeting, which focused on the theme “Structural Investments for a Sovereign Burkina Faso,” provided an opportunity to explore ways to deepen economic cooperation across West Africa. The discussions centered on trade, industry, and agriculture, highlighting the potential for mutual growth and development.
Shared History and Vision for Prosperity
In his address, the Deputy Minister underscored the strong historical and cultural ties between Ghana and Burkina Faso. He pointed out that the two nations not only share a border but also a deep-rooted friendship and a common vision for a prosperous and united West Africa. As the region faces challenges such as job creation, competitiveness, and resilience, Mr. Ahi stressed the need for responsible investment and seamless movement of goods.
He noted that forums like the “Invest in Burkina Faso” are essential for connecting business opportunities with capital, technology, and skills, enabling the transformation of ideas into tangible projects that benefit both countries.
Growing Bilateral Trade
Trade between Ghana and Burkina Faso has been steadily increasing, with total bilateral trade reaching approximately US$300 million in 2024. Ghana exports processed foods, pharmaceuticals, construction materials, and cocoa derivatives, while it imports cotton, textiles, livestock, and agricultural products such as shea butter and sesame seeds from Burkina Faso.
This exchange highlights the complementary nature of their economies and presents significant opportunities for further collaboration, especially in value-added agricultural and industrial sectors.
Flagship Initiatives and Investment Policies
Mr. Ahi highlighted several initiatives in Ghana aimed at fostering business growth and attracting investment. These include the Feed the Industry Programme, which ensures a reliable supply of raw materials for agro-processing, and the Agribusiness Development and Value Extension Programme, which focuses on adding value to agricultural products and building competitive value chains.
Other programs such as MAKE24 and BUILD24 aim to enhance industrial productivity and infrastructure, making Ghana an attractive destination for investment. Ghana’s investment-friendly policies, including the Textiles and Garments Policy, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Policy, and Automotive Component Manufacturing Policy, offer incentives to investors.
Opportunities for Regional Integration
Ghana’s continuous efforts to develop infrastructure such as industrial parks and logistics facilities create an ideal environment for Burkina Faso to integrate further into regional value chains. For example, Burkina Faso’s robust cotton production could feed Ghana’s textile mills, while its tomato and vegetable crops could supply raw materials for Ghana’s food processing industry.
Both nations are also exploring opportunities to improve cross-border transport and logistics. Mr. Ahi called for improvements to critical trade routes, particularly the road linking the Port of Tema in Ghana to Ouagadougou, alongside initiatives to upgrade dry ports and warehousing facilities. These improvements would reduce delays and costs for traders and industries on both sides, fostering smoother trade flows.
Energy and Collaboration Potential
Energy integration also holds potential for collaboration, with both countries exploring the development of renewable energy sources and power interconnections that could support industrial growth in the region.
Actionable Steps for Future Growth
To transform these opportunities into concrete results, the Deputy Minister proposed several actionable steps. He suggested identifying joint pilot projects in key sectors such as cotton, tomatoes, logistics, and energy within the next six months. Furthermore, he called for the establishment of a joint Investment Facilitation Desk to streamline the approval process for investors and ensure long-term support.
Another important initiative was the strengthening of quality standards and infrastructure to ensure that products from both countries meet the demands of regional and global markets, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Commitment to Shared Prosperity
Mr. Ahi emphasized that the people of both Ghana and Burkina Faso are counting on tangible outcomes from forums such as the “Invest in Burkina Faso” international forum. He urged all stakeholders to move beyond discussions and work towards creating jobs, strengthening industries, and fostering a resilient and competitive regional market.
He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to building a future of shared prosperity with Burkina Faso, built on the pillars of trade, investment, and industrialization, and encouraged all participants to seize the opportunity to turn today’s conversations into tomorrow’s lasting partnerships.