The Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Ghana, Dr Abdulla Al Mandoos, has hosted a strategic business gathering at the UAE Embassy in Accra in a significant step toward deepening bilateral economic relations.
The meeting, held in collaboration with the Ghana International Chamber of Commerce (GHICC), brought together some of Ghana’s most influential businessmen and women, as well as representatives of leading companies.
It was more than just a diplomatic courtesy; it represented a strategic platform for fostering robust UAE–Ghana partnerships in trade, investment, infrastructure development, innovation and sustainable growth.
Held on the premises of the UAE Embassy in Accra, the event featured networking with the strategic foresight of economic diplomacy.
Dr Abdulla welcomed Ghanaian business leaders and company representatives in a cordial, open environment that encouraged meaningful conversation and a long-term vision.
Focus of discussions
During the meeting, several key themes emerged that reflected both countries’ shared priorities.
They included expanding trade and investment cooperation; infrastructure development and housing; enhancing agro-processing and exports, as well as innovation and sustainability.
On expanding trade, both sides highlighted the need to diversify and deepen trade flows between Ghana and the UAE.
While gold, cocoa and oil have traditionally been Ghana’s main exports, there is growing interest in processed goods, textiles, manufactured products and technology-enabled services.
The meeting also touched on Ghana’s ambitious infrastructure and housing agenda, which aligns closely with the UAE’s vast expertise in construction, urban planning and real estate development.
Participants explored ways in which UAE companies could support Ghana’s infrastructure modernisation, including smart housing, urban mobility and sustainable building solutions.
On agro-processing and exports, Ghana’s rich agricultural base was considered to have immense potential for value addition through agro-processing, a sector in which UAE investors have shown increasing interest.
Discussions focused on developing export-ready products for both UAE and global markets, supported by improved logistics and quality assurance systems.
Again, both parties agreed that innovation and sustainability must underpin future collaborations.
Ghana’s young and dynamic population, combined with the UAE’s leadership in clean energy and technology, creates fertile ground for joint ventures in green technology, fintech, digital services and sustainable agriculture.
Voices of confidence
Speaking during the meeting, Dr Abdulla emphasised the UAE’s strong commitment to fostering long-term partnerships with Ghana, particularly through private sector engagement.
He highlighted the UAE’s readiness to explore new areas of collaboration that aligned with Ghana’s national development priorities and Vision 2030 goals.
Context
The business gathering at the UAE Embassy in Accra reflects a growing momentum in UAE–Ghana relations, with both countries recognising that the private sector plays a pivotal role in translating diplomatic goodwill into tangible economic outcomes.
It also comes on the backdrop that the diplomatic relations between Ghana and the UAE have grown steadily over the past three decades.
Ghana has long recognised the UAE as a key strategic partner in the Middle East, while the UAE views Ghana as one of West Africa’s most stable and dynamic economies.
Ghana’s position as a gateway to West Africa, its strong democratic institutions, and its growing middle class have made it an attractive destination for foreign investors.
Meanwhile, the UAE’s remarkable economic diversification, financial strength, and strategic geographic position have turned it into a global hub for trade, logistics, finance, and innovation.
UAE Embassy, hub for economic diplomacy
Under the leadership of Dr Abdulla, the UAE Embassy in Accra has become more than just a diplomatic mission — it has evolved into an active hub for economic diplomacy, connecting business leaders, facilitating partnerships, and nurturing networks between the private sectors of both countries.
UAE–Ghana partnership
The UAE and Ghana established formal diplomatic relations in 1989. Since then, the relationship has expanded to cover trade, investment, culture, aviation and education.
Bilateral trade between the two nations has grown steadily, with the UAE ranking among Ghana’s top trading partners in recent years.
As Ghana continues its drive to diversify its economy and attract foreign investment, and as the UAE expands its presence in Africa as part of its global economic strategy, both nations see this partnership as a strategic pillar for mutual growth.
