Ghana–Zurich Expo Strengthens Diaspora-Driven Trade and Investment Links
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Ghana has taken another step toward strengthening its economic relationship with Europe following a major business and cultural expo held in Zurich, Switzerland. The event brought together government officials, diaspora leaders, investors, and private sector players in a coordinated effort to expand cross-border partnerships and unlock new opportunities for growth.
At the centre of the engagement was a high-level business-to-business session that focused on building a stronger commercial bridge between Ghana, Switzerland, and the wider European market. Participants explored avenues for collaboration across key sectors, positioning Ghana as an attractive destination for foreign direct investment.
Ghana’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, James Gyakye Quayson, used the platform to outline the government’s economic recovery strategy, known as the “Reset Agenda.” He explained that the initiative is designed to stabilise the national currency, rebuild investor confidence, and create a more predictable economic environment for both local and international stakeholders.
A major highlight of his address was a direct appeal to the Ghanaian diaspora. He urged citizens living abroad to play a more active role in national development by investing in businesses, transferring knowledge, and leveraging their global networks to support economic transformation back home.
Quayson also referenced ongoing legislative efforts aimed at deepening diaspora engagement, particularly a proposed dual citizenship framework. According to him, such policies are expected to remove barriers and encourage more Ghanaians overseas to participate in the country’s socio-economic development without losing their international ties.
Discussions at the expo covered a wide range of investment opportunities, including trade incentives, access to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and emerging prospects in sectors such as gold, finance, and education. Stakeholders also examined ways to improve cross-border payment systems and reduce transaction bottlenecks affecting diaspora remittances.
In a move that underscored the importance of digital innovation, a Ghanaian academic based in Switzerland introduced an initiative to promote coding education among students in Ghana. The programme includes scholarship opportunities for university students and aims to equip young people with skills relevant to the global digital economy.
Beyond formal discussions, the expo featured business pitch sessions, exhibitions of Ghanaian products, cultural showcases, and industry visits. Organisers and participants described the gathering as a mutually beneficial platform that not only strengthens economic ties but also reinforces the role of the diaspora as a critical driver of development. A follow-up edition of the expo is expected later in the year, with broader participation anticipated.
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