By William Selassy ADJADOGO
“Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”— George Bernard Shaw, playwright and Nobel laureate.
That France was, is and looks set to remain a global superpower, is scarcely a matter that is up for debate.
For centuries, the European giant has interacted with practically every nation on earth and Ghana is no exception.
As France embarks on a delicate recalibration of its economic ties with Africa, the Black Star has emerged as a pivotal player in what diplomats increasingly recognise as a watershed moment for Franco-African relations.
What is in it for Ghana?
The West African nation, long celebrated for its democratic stability and robust economic growth, finds itself uniquely positioned to shape a new paradigm of partnership – one driven by mutual respect.
The recent Ambition Africa 2024 forum in Paris, which drew over 2,000 delegates, signals a significant shift in France’s approach to African partnerships – one that could open new doors for Ghana’s expanding economy.
Under President Emmanuel Macron’s administration, France has deliberately moved away from its traditional relationships with African nations, which some have described as ‘opaque’ toward a more transparent, reciprocal model.
This transformation comes at a critical moment for Ghana, as the country continues to position itself as a key player in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), whose secretariat is headquartered in Accra.
The arrangement – the largest economic bloc in the world, provides a platform, which transcends continental trade, as it is expected to enhance economic integration between Africa and the rest of the world.
With the agreement expected to create a consolidated US$2.7 trillion market, Ghana’s strategic position – both geographically and politically – could prove advantageous in attracting French investment and technological partnerships.
The private sector stands to gain significantly from this evolving relationship. According to the UN Economic Commission for Africa, Africa’s private sector currently accounts for 80% of total production and employs 90% of the working-age population. For Ghana, where small and medium-sized enterprises form the backbone of the economy, France’s renewed focus on private sector engagement could catalyze growth in key industries.
Several sectors present immediate opportunities for Ghana-France collaboration. France’s growing presence in digital transformation and energy transition aligns well with Ghana’s own development priorities. The country’s burgeoning tech ecosystem, centered in Accra and Kumasi, could benefit from French expertise and investment in artificial intelligence and smart city solutions – both key themes at the recent Ambition Africa forum.
Agriculture, which employs about 30% of Ghana’s workforce, represents another promising area for partnership. France’s emphasis on agri-food transformation could help Ghana move up the value chain, particularly in cocoa processing and other agricultural products. The UNECA projects that by 2045, intra-African trade in agri-food sectors could increase by 35% under the AfCFTA framework – a potential boom for Ghana’s agricultural exports.
The potential for agricultural transformation extends beyond mere production increases. French expertise in agricultural technology and food processing could help Ghana reduce post-harvest losses, estimated at 20-30% of total production, while creating higher-value products for both regional and international markets. This aligns with Ghana’s industrialization agenda and could create thousands of jobs in the agricultural value chain.
Educational cooperation also presents significant opportunities. France remains the leading destination worldwide for sub-Saharan African students, and strengthening these academic ties could enhance Ghana’s human capital development, particularly in technical fields crucial for industrial growth. The potential for joint research programs, particularly in agriculture, technology, and renewable energy, could accelerate Ghana’s innovation capabilities.
However, challenges remain. Ghana’s traditionally strong ties with Anglophone partners mean that building robust economic relationships with France will require deliberate effort and strategic planning. The language barrier, while not insurmountable, needs addressing through increased cultural and linguistic exchange programs. This could start with enhanced French language education in Ghana’s technical institutions and business schools.
The success of this new partnership approach will largely depend on how well Ghana positions itself within the broader AfCFTA framework. As Mene notes, the challenge lies in “transforming ambition into action.” For Ghana, this means leveraging its position as host of the AfCFTA secretariat to attract French investment and technical cooperation.
The timing could not be more opportune. As France seeks to diversify its African partnerships beyond its traditional Francophone sphere, Ghana’s stable democratic environment and relatively robust economic infrastructure make it an attractive partner. The country’s experience in gold mining, oil and gas production, and digital services provides multiple entry points for French expertise and investment.
The energy sector presents particular promise. With France’s commitment to supporting Africa’s energy transition, Ghana could benefit from technical expertise and investment in renewable energy infrastructure. This could help address the country’s energy challenges while advancing its climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.
Another sector ripe for collaboration is financial technology. Ghana’s position as one of West Africa’s leading fintech hubs, combined with France’s growing expertise in digital financial services, could create synergies that benefit both nations. French investment in Ghana’s fintech sector could accelerate financial inclusion while providing French companies with access to innovative African solutions.
With that said, Ghana’s ability to benefit from France’s evolving African strategy will depend on several factors: the government’s success in creating an enabling environment for foreign investment, the private sector’s capacity to engage with French counterparts, and the country’s broader economic stability.
The establishment of dedicated trade facilitation offices in both countries could help streamline business relationships and overcome bureaucratic hurdles. Additionally, regular business forums focusing on specific sectors could help build the personal relationships crucial for successful international business partnerships.
The shift in France’s African engagement strategy, from a post-colonial model to one based on mutual benefit and private sector growth, presents Ghana with a unique opportunity. By strategically positioning itself within this new framework, Ghana could diversify its international partnerships and accelerate its economic development goals.
With Africa moving toward greater economic integration through the AfCFTA, Ghana’s role as a bridge between Francophone and Anglophone Africa could prove increasingly valuable. The question now is how swiftly the country can effectively leverage this position to turn France’s new African vision into tangible economic benefits for its people.
