Ghana has launched the AgriConnect Compact, a national plan to boost food security and create jobs. It aims to attract significant investment into key agricultural areas. The initiative is a coordinated effort between the government and international partners.
The AgriConnect Compact focuses on priority sectors like cocoa, oil palm, rice, maize, and poultry. It also supports cashew, coconut, rubber, fisheries, and the forest economy. The plan aims to improve productivity and market access for farmers. It will also help agribusinesses grow.
This new program fits into Ghana's larger economic goals. The country aims to reduce reliance on food imports. It also seeks to build a stronger, more resilient economy. The Compact is designed to unlock private capital. This is crucial for economic growth and stability in Ghana.
The World Bank Group is a key supporter of this initiative. Guangzhe Chen, World Bank Group Vice President for Planet, called it "a bold step." He noted that it links policy reform with investment. This creates the right conditions for growth. "Ghana’s AgriConnect Compact is a bold step toward building a more productive, resilient, and jobs-rich food system," Chen stated. Ghana's Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, highlighted its role in turning potential into results. "AgriConnect is about turning Ghana’s agricultural potential into tangible results: more food on the table, more jobs for young people, and more value created here at home," Minister Opoku said.
The AgriConnect Compact targets significant development by 2035. It aims to improve food and nutrition security for nearly 3 million people. It also plans to create over 2.6 million jobs by 2035. The first phase, from 2026 to 2030, needs about US$3.5 billion. This funding will come from Ghana's government, development partners, and the private sector. Decisions made now will shape the future of Ghana's agriculture. Investors and policymakers will watch job creation numbers closely. Success depends on strong collaboration between all involved parties.