Ghana Courts Italy for Circular Economy Partnership
The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has called for stronger Ghana-Italy collaboration to drive investment, technology transfer, and sustainable industrial growth as Ghana pursues a circular economy agenda.
Speaking at the opening of the Ghana–Italy Circular Economy Dialogue in Accra on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, the Minister described the two-day forum as a timely platform to translate partnerships into tangible industrial outcomes, including job creation, innovation, and increased competitiveness.
She noted that Ghana and Italy have built a strong relationship based on mutual respect and shared development goals, with the dialogue representing a new chapter in bilateral economic cooperation.
Ofosu-Adjare emphasised that Ghana is actively integrating circular economy principles into its national industrial development agenda under the leadership of President Mahama.
The Minister highlighted ongoing initiatives across key sectors, including the conversion of agricultural waste into bio-inputs and energy, the promotion of industrial symbiosis in manufacturing, the use of recycled materials in construction, and sustainable practices in the textiles and fashion industry.
These efforts, she said, are aimed at boosting productivity, reducing import dependence, and enhancing export competitiveness.
She also reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 64 per cent by 2030, stressing that achieving this target will require substantial investment, advanced technology, and supportive industrial policies.
Describing the circular economy as an economic opportunity rather than an environmental obligation, she outlined five key areas where Ghana seeks collaboration with Italy: technology and knowledge transfer, investment promotion, skills development, standards and market access alignment, and green finance.
She invited Italian businesses, particularly SMEs, to consider Ghana as a gateway to the wider ECOWAS market of over 340 million people and beyond.
The Minister further called for stronger partnerships with the Ghana Standards Authority, Italian and European certification bodies, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) to support green industrial zone development, improve sustainability reporting, and enhance the competitiveness of Ghanaian exporters.
She also urged universities, including the University of Professional Studies (UPSA), to play a more active role in connecting research, entrepreneurship, and investment, positioning them as drivers of innovation within Ghana’s green industrial ecosystem.
Concluding her remarks, Hon. Ofosu-Adjare encouraged participants to move beyond dialogue and commit to concrete partnerships and investments that will advance Ghana’s green industrial future.
Italian Ambassador to Ghana, H.E Laura Ranalli, Italy, said her country leads major European economies in key metrics, including waste recycling rates and the use of secondary raw materials.
The move, she said, confirms its position as a leader in the circular economy with a circular material use rate of 20.8%, almost double the EU average of 11.8%.
She pledged the commitment of the Italian government in supporting Ghana’s green industrial transformation agenda.
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