The seventh edition of the Agrofood and Plastprintpack Ghana exhibition and conference has ended in Accra with renewed commitments from Ghana and its international partners to deepen collaboration in sustainable agribusiness, food processing, and green industrial development.
Held from October 28 to 30 at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre, the three-day event brought together more than 78 exhibitors from 15 countries to showcase innovations in food processing, packaging, plastics, printing, and agribusiness technology.
Organised by Fairtrade and ACE Group in collaboration with Geovision, the exhibition featured dedicated national pavilions from the Netherlands, South Africa and, for the first time, an International Trade Centre (ITC) Pavilion that brought together exhibitors from Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria.
The event fostered regional partnerships and what organisers described as “South-South cooperation in action.”
Mr Jeroen Verheul, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Ghana, said the growing participation of Dutch companies reflected a strong and evolving partnership with Ghana in the areas of horticulture and agribusiness.
He noted that the Dutch Pavilion had doubled in size since the last edition, with 15 companies presenting innovations in sustainable agriculture, seed technology and irrigation.
“Over the years, our two countries have worked side by side with a shared vision to make agriculture one of Ghana’s strongest drivers of economic growth,” he said.
“The Netherlands brings long-standing experience in developing innovative, productive and climate-smart agricultural systems, and we believe that knowledge has real value when it strengthens local value chains and makes farming more efficient, profitable and resilient,” Mr Verheul added.
The Ambassador of Netherlands announced the launch of the Dutch Seed Partnership, a new platform that brings together key stakeholders to enhance productivity, innovation, and sustainability in Ghana’s seed sector.
Mr. Frederik Landshöft, the German Ambassador to Ghana, commended Ghana’s leadership in advancing sustainable and climate-smart growth, describing the fair as “a platform for technology, collaboration, and transformation.”
“With over 78 exhibitors from 15 countries, this fair is not just about machines and markets—it’s about ideas, connections, and the future,” he said.
“Ghana is not just open for business; Ghana is shaping the business of tomorrow,” Mr Landshöft added.
He noted that food and beverage investments in Ghana had increased by 35 per cent since 2017, with packaging technology imports reaching €49 million in 2024, adding that Germany would continue to support Ghana’s climate resilience, renewable energy, and circular economy initiatives.
“Let us use this fair not just to showcase but to co-create,” he said. “The future of food, packaging and sustainable growth will not be decided in New York or Geneva—it will be built in places like Accra and Tamale, by engineers, farmers, and entrepreneurs,” he said.
The 2025 edition built on a successful 2023 event that featured 63 exhibitors from 15 countries.
Patrons of the fair urged the organisers to expand participation next year in the wake of Ghana’s growing appeal as a destination for agribusiness investment and innovation across West Africa.
Certainly, Beatrice! Here are five well-structured paragraphs based on Paul Marz’s remarks that you can incorporate into your story:
Fairtrade CEO Paul Marz has extended a warm welcome to dignitaries and partners at the opening of Agrofood and Plus Print Park Ghana 2025, held at the Accra International Conference Center. He acknowledged the longstanding support of the Ministry and expressed appreciation for the presence of His Excellency Frederick Lantsev, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, and His Excellency Jürgen Heysel, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria. Their attendance, he noted, underscores the strong diplomatic ties and shared commitment between Ghana and the international community.
Marz highlighted the evolution of the Agrofood and Plus Print Park platform since its inception in Ghana in 2013, marking it as a milestone in sub-Saharan Africa’s agro-industrial journey. He proudly announced the participation of exhibitors from 15 countries, including China, Germany, India, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates, showcasing cutting-edge technologies and solutions tailored to Ghana’s market needs. This international presence, he said, reflects the growing relevance of the event as a hub for innovation and business exchange in West Africa.
The conference program, organized by the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Ghana, was described as a cornerstone of the event. It brings together policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators to discuss key themes such as food preservation, sustainable packaging, digital farming, and entrepreneurship. Marz emphasized that the sessions are designed to foster collaboration and shape strategies for Africa’s agro-industrial transformation, blending innovation with responsibility.
He also acknowledged the vital role of institutional partners in driving the success of the platform and advancing Ghana’s position as a regional center for agro-industrial excellence. Among the highlights of this year’s exhibition are the Netherlands Pavilion, showcasing sustainable agri-tech, the ITC Pavilion featuring exhibitors from Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, and the South Africa Pavilion supported by the Western Cape government. These pavilions symbolize regional cooperation and the strength of South-South partnerships.
Marz concluded by citing key trade figures that reflect Ghana’s dynamic agri-food sector. He noted that imports of food and beverage technology rose from $59 million in 2017 to $80 million in 2024, while packaging technology imports reached $49 million last year. With Ghana’s population projected to double by 2050, the country is poised to become one of Africa’s fastest-growing consumer markets. In 2023 alone, Ghana exported $3 billion worth of food products, demonstrating its growing role in global trade. Marz thanked all partners and delegates for their trust and commitment, wishing them a successful exhibition and fruitful engagements.
Source: accessagric.com
