Success stories
Boosting West African investment agency collaboration and capacity
Matt Harvey highlights the need for greater regional coordination among West African investment promotion agencies (IPAs) to enhance foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction. As investor focus shifts toward regional opportunities and integrated value chains, the article argues that collaboration can improve investor confidence, reduce duplication, and strengthen sector strategies in areas like agribusiness, energy, and infrastructure. Drawing on insights from the West African Investment Forum and IPA leaders, Harvey identifies key challenges—including limited digital capacity and weak institutional frameworks—and calls for formalised cooperation platforms, shared deal pipelines, and stronger public-private partnerships to position West Africa as a unified, competitive investment destination.
- January 13, 2025
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By Matt Harvey
The African development Bank Study tour for West African transitioning country investment promotion agencies to Ghana took place in December 2024, Accra, Ghana.
Between the 15th and the 18th of December, senior executive level delegations from the investment promotion agencies (IPAs) of The Gambia, Liberia and Sierra Leone embarked on a capacity building study tour to Ghana hosted by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) and the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA). This mission was funded by the African Development Bank Group, as part of the support to transitioning economies in West Africa project which has been running for the past 4 years in these countries which is being delivered by Wavteq Limited and fDi Strategies, the specialised economic development consulting team from FT Locations.
The study tour involved a packed schedule of activities aimed at strengthening regional collaboration between Ghana and the project beneficiary countries, as well as offering a platform to share knowledge and best practices which GIPC has implemented to enhance IPA operational efficiency and increase the investment attraction, facilitation and aftercare support provided to both domestic and foreign investors exploring Ghana as a place for business.
The first day began with a full day of “classroom-based” learning and sharing sessions hosted at GIPC’s head office in Accra, our delegates were introduced to the mandate of GIPC, its organisational structure and heard from a number of GIPC’s directors from various departments which covered valuable insights into the organisations best practice service offering, including legal, marketing and communications, research, investor services, diaspora investment, aftercare and corporate affairs and inbound investor hosting.
The second day was our “in-the-field” practical, the day began with an introduction to the GFZA, with an insightful presentation by Ms. Anita Novi Quashie, Head of Marketing, and Investment Promotion at GFZA which allowed our delegates to better understand the role of the Authority, its remit and its strong, symbiotic relationship with GIPC, working as close partners to better serve prospective and existing investors in Ghana.
Inbound delegation visit to the Ghana Free Zone Authority
Our delegates then had the chance to visit the Tema Free Zone located in one of the 5 designated land banks operated by GFZA. Here, we visited DTRT Apparel Group, a major company operating within the zone, processing textiles and garments for export. The company which was founded by Ghanaian, American and German entrepreneurs in 2013, has produced over 12 million products with an export value of over USD $100m and employs over 5,000 staff, a fantastic example of market focused investments generating jobs for thousands of locals in Ghana.
Inbound delegation during a tour of DTRT Apparel Group operations at Tema Free Zone
Our short time in Ghana concluded with a discussion session hosted by the Director of the Tema Administrative Office, Ms. Patience Agbleze Acorlor and her expert team where conversations focused on the operations of the Tema Free Zones, its occupancy and anchor investors and the support provided to investors when establishing as a business operating under a licence as a Ghana free zone company.
Our team would like to thank the African Development Bank Group for its continued support in making this study tour possible under the soon to conclude support to transition economies in West Africa project.
We would also like to extend thanks to the entire team at Ghana Investment promotion Centre, and the Ghana Free Zones Authority for warmly welcoming us to Ghana for this expertly hosted study tour. Special thanks to Edmund Onyame and Elohin Princess Yartey from GIPC for being fantastic hosts and ensuring smooth logistics throughout the tour.
Finally, we would like to thank our senior level delegation representatives from The Gambia Investment & Export Promotion Agency, The National Investment Commission of Liberia and The National Investment Board of Sierra Leone, your participation and sharing of experiences is greatly appreciated and we hope this tour has provided valuable insights and learning lessons which can be explored and implemented in your respective countries.
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