Ghana Trade & Investment

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat is headquartered in Accra, Ghana, making the country the administrative hub of Africa's single market project.

• Launched: January 2021
• Coverage: 54 African Union member states, 1.3 billion people, combined GDP of $3.4 trillion
• Goal: Eliminate 90% of tariffs on goods traded between African countries
• Impact for Ghana: Positioning as a continental trade hub, increased FDI, preferential market access across Africa
• Sectors benefiting: Manufacturing, agribusiness, services, technology

Ghana hosting the AfCFTA Secretariat has boosted the country's diplomatic profile and attracted international businesses looking for an African base.

Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC)

The GIPC is the primary agency responsible for attracting and facilitating foreign investment in Ghana. All foreign investments must be registered with the GIPC.

Investment Incentives

• Corporate tax: Standard rate 25%, reduced to 20% for manufacturing, and 15% for agribusiness
• Free Zones: Tax holiday of 10 years (0% corporate tax), then 15% cap thereafter. 100% foreign ownership allowed.
• Capital allowances: Accelerated depreciation for plant and machinery
• Import duty exemptions: On plant, machinery, and raw materials for manufacturing
• Bilateral Investment Treaties: With 28 countries including UK, Germany, Netherlands, China, India
• Double Taxation Agreements: With UK, France, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, South Africa, and others

Minimum investment thresholds:

• Joint venture with Ghanaian partner: $200,000
• 100% foreign-owned enterprise: $500,000
• Trading enterprise (import/export): $1,000,000

Ghana Free Zones

The Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) administers free zone enclaves offering significant tax incentives:

• Tema Free Zone: Near Ghana's largest port, ideal for manufacturing and logistics
• Sekondi-Takoradi: Near the oil-producing Western Region
• Benefits: 0% corporate tax for 10 years, 0% withholding tax on dividends, 100% foreign ownership, no import licensing requirements
• Sectors: Manufacturing, oil and gas services, ICT, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals

One District, One Factory (1D1F)

A flagship government industrialisation programme that aims to establish at least one factory or enterprise in each of Ghana's 260 districts. The programme provides:

• Subsidised loans and credit facilities
• Technical assistance and training
• Tax incentives for participating companies
• Priority sectors: food processing, textiles, building materials, pharmaceuticals

As of 2026, over 100 factories have been commissioned or are under construction, creating thousands of jobs across the country.

Digital Economy & Tech

Ghana's tech ecosystem is rapidly growing, with Accra emerging as a West African tech hub:

• Google Africa Engineering Centre in Accra (Google's first in Africa)
• Twitter (X) Africa HQ was established in Accra
• Fintech: Mobile money penetration over 60%, with MTN MoMo leading. Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems (GhIPSS) powers instant payments.
• Startup ecosystem: Hubs include MEST Africa, iSpace Foundation, Impact Hub Accra
• Government initiatives: Ghana Digital Agenda, e-Transform Ghana project