Ghana
On the African continent especially Ghana stands out in regard to political stability, low crime rate and open economy.
In sub-Saharan Africa, Ghana is Switzerland's most important trade partner – ahead of South Africa (RSA). After Ghana declared independence in 1957, diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Ghana were established in 1960. A number of bilateral agreements have been concluded between the countries since then. In 2017 Switzerland had a volume of trade with Ghana amounting to CHF 1.83 billion, of which gold imports from Ghana into Switzerland accounted for more than 90%. Swiss Exports to Ghana amounted to CHF 28 Mio. (excl. precious metals, gems, antiques) in 2018 and consisted largely of pharmaceutical products, machinery and beauty products.
In 2017 a cooperation strategy for 2017-2020 was launched in the presence of Doris Leuthard and Ghana’s president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in Accra.
Energy Supply
The growing economy and an increasing demand for energy require smart technologies in energy efficiency, as well as in water and waste management.
The "Ghana Ministry of Energy" launched an "Energy Sector Strategy and Development Plan", which establishes goals to increase generation capacity and to achieve universal access by extending electricity to all households by 2020 and to increase the renewable energy supply in the national energy mix to 10% by 2020. To reach this goal the Development Plan offers broad feed-in tariffs, which opens rewarding opportunities.
Water Shortage and Waste Pollution
In addition, West Africa’s and Ghana's environment is coming under extreme pressure with high deforestation, depleting biodiversity and patchy water distribution leading to shortages in the dry season. Poor waste management has resulted in the pollution of most surface water particularly in rivers which flow through urban centers. Also, the high number of electronic waste poses a serious threat to the environment and human population.
Related links
FDFA: Ghana
FCA: Swiss Exports
Market Studies of the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce - AHK Ghana:
Swissenviro: Trade Fairs