GEPA’s Dentu on what makes Rwanda attractive to investors

Ghana and Rwanda are poised to deepen their trade relations following the conclusion of a forum between the Ghana Investment Promotion Council and Rwandan investors. CNBC Africa's Fiona Muthoni recently sat down with Samuel Dentu, the Deputy CEO of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, to discuss the potential for enhanced collaboration between the two countries. Dentu highlighted the current minimal trade between Ghana and Rwanda as an opportunity for growth and exploration of new markets. Prior to the disruptions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Ghana had been experiencing positive momentum in its non-traditional exports, particularly in the manufacturing and agribusiness sectors. Dentu outlined Ghana's segmented approach to exploring new markets, which includes a focus on regions like the EU and ECOWAS, as well as the African Continental Free Trade Area. The national export development strategy aims to leverage these opportunities to expand Ghana's reach globally. Dentu expressed optimism about the potential for increased trade between Ghana and Rwanda, citing a recent visit to Rwanda where the limited presence of Ghanaian products presented an opportunity for growth. The collaboration between the two countries is seen as a promising development that could pave the way for future mutually beneficial partnerships. One of the key sectors of interest for Ghana in the Rwandan market is cocoa, a significant export product for the country. Dentu emphasized the importance of cocoa in Ghana's trade portfolio and highlighted plans to promote Ghanaian cocoa and chocolate in Rwanda, building on existing interactions between the two nations. Overall, the forum and discussions between Ghana and Rwanda signal a positive shift towards deeper economic ties and increased trade activity. Both countries are keen to capitalize on the opportunities presented by their respective economies and explore avenues for collaboration and growth. Dentu's insights shed light on the potential for a fruitful partnership between Ghana and Rwanda in the coming years.