Ghana has entered a new partnership with Spain to expand agro-industrial development, focusing on tomato production and processing as the country works to reduce imports and strengthen exports.
According to Business Insider Africa, the agreement was discussed in Barcelona during meetings between Ghana’s Vice President, Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, and executives of GB Foods. The talks form part of efforts to strengthen agricultural value chains and increase local production.
“We look forward to mutually beneficial relationships as we expand and encourage local farmers,” she said, adding that government support across the agricultural value chain would help improve production and agro-processing.
She also stressed that inclusion of smallholder farmers remains a priority, noting that the partnership could help stabilize supply, create jobs, and improve rural livelihoods while supporting economic growth.
GB Foods’ director of corporate affairs for Africa, Teddy Ngu, said the company has secured about 6,000 hectares in the Afram Plains. He linked the expansion to supply challenges, including export restrictions from Burkina Faso.
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Ngu highlighted the role of technology in farming, pointing to yield differences of five, 120 and 180 tonnes per hectare in Ghana, Spain and China.
He also said the company had increased yields in Nigeria from five to 60 tonnes per hectare and expressed confidence similar gains could be achieved in Ghana.
The Afram Plains project is expected to become a major production hub, using irrigation and modern farming methods to improve yields and reduce post-harvest losses.
The partnership comes as Ghana continues to face tomato supply gaps that have long been met through imports to meet demand from households and processors. It is expected to support food security, reduce import dependence, and boost agro-industrial development.
Analysts say the deal reflects growing European interest in West Africa’s agricultural sector as governments push to industrialise farming and improve supply chain stability.
The agreement is also expected to strengthen Ghana–Spain cooperation through investment flows and knowledge sharing across key sectors.
What this means for Africa
This partnership shows how African countries are working with foreign investors to improve food production and reduce dependence on imports. It reflects a wider push across the continent to modernise agriculture using technology and better farming methods.
If successful, such projects can help increase local food supply, create jobs in rural areas, and strengthen agricultural industries. It also shows how international partnerships can support Africa’s long-term goal of building stronger and more self-sufficient food systems.
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Image Credit: Business Insider Africa
