Accra, Ghana – ASSETS Africa has released the official post-mission report for the 2025 Ghana Trade Mission to South Africa, marking a watershed moment for Ghanaian enterprises seeking to expand across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. Held from 29th November to 6th December, the mission successfully bridged Accra’s commercial dynamism with Johannesburg’s industrial capacity & Cape Town’s vibrant business ecosystem, forging enduring bilateral trade corridors.
Trade Data
The mission’s success is grounded in robust bilateral trade figures. Bilateral trade between Ghana and South Africa reached US$387.4 million in 2025, up from US$345.5 million in 2024, and grew from 14 billion South African rand in 2020 to 18 billion rand (approx. USD 1 billion) in 2024. South Africa exported US$409.13 million to Ghana in 2025, with monthly exports hitting R654 million in September 2025—a 15.7% month-on-month increase. Meanwhile, Ghana’s exports to South Africa rose from US$4.5 million (2023) to US$5.4 million (2024), led by wood, food residues, and works of art.
Ghana recorded a trade surplus of $5.7 billion in the first half of 2025, ranking second in Africa, with total exports reaching $13.97 billion. South Africa has also invested over US$1.2 billion in Ghana since 1994, making it one of Ghana’s largest FDI partners. With Ghana among Africa’s “Big Five” investment destinations, the conditions for mutually beneficial trade have never been more favourable.
Trade Mission Engagements
The 2025 delegation comprised Ghanaian exporters, manufacturers, importers, and service providers. The high-impact itinerary promoted two-way trade—both Ghanaian exports to South Africa and imports of South African goods into Ghana.
Diplomatic & Strategic Engagements: An exclusive session at the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria provided strategic counsel on regulatory navigation and trade dispute resolution.
Investment Facilitation with GGDA: A high-level roundtable with the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA) explored incentives for FDI and regional hub establishment. This was complemented by a networking session and curated B2B meetings with the Gauteng business ecosystem, fostering direct partnerships.
Strategic Engagement with WESGRO: The delegation held a high-impact session with WESGRO, the official trade and investment agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape. Ghana’s Honorary Consul in Cape Town, Prof. Michael Darko, enriched the engagement, which also featured networking and targeted B2B meetings with the Western Cape business ecosystem.
Export & Trade Summit: The delegation participated in a prestigious African Startups & SMEs In Export & Trade Summit attended by captains of industry and senior government officials. The presence of Deputy Minister for Small Business Development of South Africa, Hon. Jane Sithole, who delivered a keynote address, underscored South Africa’s commitment to SME collaboration and easing market entry for Ghanaian enterprises.
Market Intelligence & Logistics: Guided technical tours of the Johannesburg Market and Small Business Opportunity machines in Cape Town equipped delegates with practical supply chain and distribution knowledge.
Private Site Visits: Beyond the official itinerary, delegates undertook private site visits with prospective partners, enabling due diligence and accelerating deal-making.
Reciprocal Mission from South Africa to Ghana Announced
To sustain momentum, a reciprocal South African Trade Mission to Ghana is formally scheduled for later in June 2026. The mission will bring South African buyers, investors, and industry leaders to Accra to explore partnerships, source Ghanaian products, and deepen bilateral trade ties.
Official Call for Applications: Ghana Trade Mission to East Africa 2026
Building on the success of the 2025 Ghana Trade Mission, ASSETS Africa proudly announces the Ghana Trade Mission to East Africa 2026, scheduled for 29th November – 6th December 2026.
This year’s mission will cover three strategic economies: Ethiopia, Kenya, and Rwanda offering delegates unparalleled exposure to East Africa’s most dynamic and reform-driven markets. From Ethiopia’s fast-industrializing manufacturing sector and massive consumer base, to Kenya’s role as the region’s technology, finance, and logistics nerve center, and Rwanda’s globally acclaimed ease of doing business, this itinerary delivers a comprehensive gateway to a combined market of over 200 million people with a collective GDP exceeding US$250 billion.
Participation is recommended for established and growth oriented enterprises ready to scale across the continent. Early registration is strongly advised.
Enquiries & Registration
Interested parties should contact the Missions Director immediately to secure participation and receive the official prospectus.
Telephone: +233 53 053 2145 | Email: missions@assetsafrica.org
