Ghana, Netherlands sign trade pact to boost non-traditional exports to US$10B by 2030
The collaboration will focus on food safety, sustainability, and compliance with EU market requirements.
GHANA – The Ghana Export Promotion Authority and the Netherlands-based Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen trade cooperation and increase Ghana’s non-traditional exports to the Netherlands and the wider European Union, with horticulture among the priority sectors.
The agreement was signed on 17 July 2026 at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Accra. The partnership is intended to support export trade facilitation, capacity building, and improved market access for Ghanaian exporters.
According to the parties, the Netherlands will serve as a gateway to the European market through its ports, inland waterways, cold chain infrastructure, and logistics network. The collaboration will also focus on food safety, sustainability, and compliance with EU market requirements.
GEPA Chief Executive Officer Francis Kojo Kwarteng Arthur said the agreement supports Ghana’s strategy to diversify exports beyond traditional commodities such as gold and unprocessed cocoa.
“The Netherlands remains Ghana’s leading destination for Non-Traditional Exports. This partnership with CBI aligns closely with our ambition to increase Non-Traditional Export earnings to US$10 billion by 2030. By understanding importer requirements, strengthening exporter capacity, diversifying our export basket, and improving product quality, we are positioning Ghana to become an even stronger supplier to the European market,” he said.
Furthermore, the collaboration will focus on food safety, sustainability, and compliance with EU market requirements. The cooperation includes support for certification, sustainability compliance, coaching, and technical assistance to help horticultural exporters and other businesses meet EU market requirements.
Additionally, this partnership improves food safety and sustainability by providing Ghanaian small businesses with technical assistance and training to ensure their products meet rigorous European standards.
Speaking on behalf of CBI, Wim van Heumen said the partnership will support Ghanaian small and medium-sized enterprises in strategic sectors, including horticulture (particularly fresh fruit and vegetables), agribusiness, and IT/BPO services.
The Netherlands serves as a gateway for Ghanaian goods entering Europe, supported by its state-of-the-art port infrastructure at Rotterdam, an extensive inland waterway network, and advanced cold chain logistics that preserve perishable produce during transit.
This agreement facilitates better market access and business networking opportunities for exporters looking to expand their international presence
Lastly, the partnership represents a strategic step toward positioning Ghana as a stronger supplier to the European market while supporting sustainable economic growth through the development of non-traditional exports.
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