The Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) has held discussions with a delegation from the BRICS Entrepreneurs Alliance on potential investment opportunities in Ghana, with particular attention to furniture manufacturing, Ghana–Russia business partnerships and incentives available under the country’s Free Zones Scheme.
The engagement, which took place on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, was led by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GFZA, Dr. Mary Awusi, and the Vice President of the BRICS Entrepreneurs Alliance, Mr. Vladimir Kiselev.
The meeting forms part of efforts to explore areas of mutual economic interest and strengthen business relations that could attract foreign investment, promote industrial development and expand Ghana’s export capacity.
Discussions centred on opportunities for investors from Russia and other international markets to establish or expand business operations in Ghana, particularly in the furniture manufacturing sector, which offers prospects for industrial growth, value addition and employment creation.
The delegation was also briefed on the incentives available under Ghana’s Free Zones Scheme, which is designed to encourage export-oriented production, attract foreign direct investment and position the country as a competitive destination for international businesses.
GHANA AS INVESTMENT DESTINATION
Addressing the delegation, Dr. Awusi highlighted Ghana’s strategic geographical position and its potential to serve as a gateway for businesses seeking access to markets across Africa.
She underscored the importance of Ghana’s location, investment opportunities and business environment in attracting companies interested in establishing manufacturing and export operations on the continent.
According to the GFZA, the country’s strategic position provides an opportunity for international investors to use Ghana as a base for reaching wider African markets while benefiting from the incentives and support mechanisms available under the Free Zones Scheme.
The CEO reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to facilitating investments that support Ghana’s industrialisation agenda, stimulate economic activity and increase the volume of goods produced locally for export.
She also emphasised the role of the GFZA in assisting investors to navigate the investment process and identify opportunities within the country’s export-oriented industrial sector.
The engagement with the BRICS Entrepreneurs Alliance is expected to provide a platform for further discussions on possible areas of cooperation, particularly in manufacturing and other sectors capable of strengthening Ghana’s industrial base.
FURNITURE MANUFACTURING IN FOCUS
Furniture manufacturing emerged as one of the key areas of interest during the discussions.
The sector presents opportunities for investment in production facilities, modern manufacturing technology, skills development and the processing of materials into finished products for domestic and international markets.
Potential investments in the industry could also support the development of local supply chains, create employment opportunities and contribute to the expansion of Ghana’s non-traditional exports.
For Ghana, attracting investors into manufacturing remains important to efforts to move beyond the export of raw materials towards the production of finished and value-added goods.
The participation of the BRICS Entrepreneurs Alliance delegation therefore provided an opportunity to explore how international business partnerships could contribute to these objectives.
However, the GFZA has not announced any specific investment agreement, financial commitment or project arising from the meeting. The engagement was focused on discussions about investment opportunities, business partnerships and the incentives available to prospective investors.
FREE ZONES SCHEME
The Ghana Free Zones Authority plays a key role in promoting Ghana as a destination for export-oriented investment.
Through the Free Zones Scheme, the Authority seeks to attract businesses involved in manufacturing and other eligible activities that produce goods and services for international markets.
The scheme is intended to encourage investment, promote industrial development, increase exports and create employment through the establishment of competitive production facilities.
For prospective investors, understanding the incentives, regulatory requirements and operational framework of the scheme is an important step in determining the suitability of Ghana as a manufacturing and export base.
The discussions with the BRICS Entrepreneurs Alliance delegation consequently offered an opportunity for the Authority to present Ghana’s investment proposition and explain how prospective investors could explore opportunities within the free zones framework.
The Authority’s approach is also consistent with broader efforts to attract investment into productive sectors of the economy, strengthen private-sector participation and expand the country’s industrial capacity.
GFZA MANAGEMENT PARTICIPATES
Dr. Awusi was accompanied at the meeting by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer responsible for Finance and Administration, Mr. Hamidu Sibiri Musah, and the Director of Marketing and Investment Promotion, Ms. Anita Novi Quashie.
Their participation underscored the involvement of the Authority’s management and investment promotion team in engagements aimed at identifying potential investors and communicating the opportunities available under Ghana’s Free Zones Scheme.
The presence of the investment promotion director was particularly relevant to discussions on presenting Ghana as an attractive destination for foreign businesses and exploring possible areas of commercial cooperation.
The BRICS Entrepreneurs Alliance delegation was led by its Vice President, Mr. Vladimir Kiselev.
PROSPECTS FOR GHANA–RUSSIA BUSINESS COOPERATION
The meeting also highlighted the potential for stronger commercial engagement between Ghanaian and Russian businesses.
Expanding such partnerships could open avenues for investment, technology transfer, manufacturing cooperation and access to new markets, depending on the outcome of subsequent discussions and negotiations.
For Ghana, the attraction of credible international investors into manufacturing and export-oriented industries remains a significant component of efforts to diversify the economy and strengthen its productive sectors.
The GFZA has reiterated its commitment to facilitating investments that contribute to industrialisation and export growth, while engagements with international business delegations provide opportunities to promote the country’s investment potential.
The outcome of the discussions could therefore serve as a starting point for further engagement between the parties as they explore practical opportunities for cooperation in furniture manufacturing and other areas of mutual interest.
The engagement was announced by the Corporate Affairs, Public Relations and Aftercare Department of the Ghana Free Zones Authority.
ENDS
